U.S. patent number 6,005,562 [Application Number 08/684,387] was granted by the patent office on 1999-12-21 for electronic program guide system using images of reduced size to identify respective programs.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Sony Corporation. Invention is credited to Tomohisa Shiga, Hideo Terasawa, Yasuaki Yamagishi.
United States Patent |
6,005,562 |
Shiga , et al. |
December 21, 1999 |
Electronic program guide system using images of reduced size to
identify respective programs
Abstract
A technique for transmitting and receiving an electronic program
guide which identifies programs that are to be transmitted.
Electronic program guide (EPG) data includes image data
representing images of reduced, less than normal, size to identify
respective programs which are to be transmitted. The EPG data is
combined with program data, the latter representing different
programs transmitted on different broadcast channels, and the
combined data is transmitted. On reception, the EPG data is
separated from the received program data and the images of reduced,
less than normal size represented by the EPG data are displayed in
superposition over the received program.
Inventors: |
Shiga; Tomohisa (Kanagawa,
JP), Terasawa; Hideo (Kanagawa, JP),
Yamagishi; Yasuaki (Kanagawa, JP) |
Assignee: |
Sony Corporation (Tokyo,
JP)
|
Family
ID: |
16144286 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/684,387 |
Filed: |
July 19, 1996 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Jul 20, 1995 [JP] |
|
|
7-183929 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
715/721;
348/E5.097; 348/E5.112; 725/138; 725/43; 725/68; 725/66; 348/654;
348/E7.036; 348/E7.034; 348/E5.105 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N
7/0884 (20130101); H04N 5/44591 (20130101); G06F
3/04817 (20130101); H04N 5/44543 (20130101); H04N
21/2665 (20130101); H04N 21/47 (20130101); H04N
21/2362 (20130101); H04N 21/4312 (20130101); H04N
21/8153 (20130101); H04N 21/4316 (20130101); H04N
21/4345 (20130101); H04N 21/482 (20130101); H04N
21/84 (20130101); H04N 7/0887 (20130101); H04N
5/45 (20130101); H04N 5/50 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04N
7/087 (20060101); H04N 5/445 (20060101); H04N
7/088 (20060101); H04N 5/45 (20060101); H04N
5/50 (20060101); H04N 007/10 (); H04N 005/445 ();
H04H 001/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;348/563,564,565,566,568,461,6,7,10,12,13,731,906,581,586,589,596
;455/2,4.1,4.2,6.1,5.1,6.2,6.3 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
5515106 |
May 1996 |
Chaney et al. |
5594509 |
January 1997 |
Florin et al. |
5659350 |
August 1997 |
Hendricks et al. |
5689799 |
November 1997 |
Dougherty et al. |
|
Primary Examiner: Miller; John W.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Frommer Lawrence & Haug, LLP.
Frommer; William S.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of transmitting an electronic program guide (EPG) to
identify programs which are to be transmitted, comprising the steps
of:
generating EPG data including image data representing images of
reduced, less than normal, size to identify respective programs
which are to transmitted;
providing program data constituting at least one program currently
being transmitted;
combining said EPG data and said program data; and
transmitting the combined data;
wherein said EPG data further includes text data representing
information associated with said identified programs;
wherein said EPG text data comprises program table data formed of
title and broadcast data and program content data formed of
description data;
wherein said program table data is associated with programs
currently being transmitted and to be transmitted during a
predetermined time period, and said program content data is
associated with said programs currently being transmitted and to be
transmitted during a portion of said predetermined time period;
and
wherein, upon receipt of said transmitted combined data, a user may
select one of a plurality of images of a reduced size superimposed
on a first displayed full size image, said title information for
said selected image being displayed along with said plurality of
reduced size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user
may display a full size image associated with said selected image
in place of said first displayed full size image, or display
additional information regarding said selected image.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said information comprising at
least one of said title data identifying the title of a program to
be transmitted, said broadcast data identifying date and time at
which said program is to be transmitted and said description data
providing a description of the program to be transmitted.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the steps of providing
text data associated with said at least one program currently being
transmitted, combining said text data with said EPG data and said
program data; and transmitting the combined EPG data, program data
and text data.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein said text data associated with
said at least one program currently being transmitted comprises at
least one of title data identifying the title of said program
currently being transmitted, category data identifying a category
type of the program currently being transmitted, and transmission
channel data identifying the transmission channel over which said
program is currently being transmitted.
5. The method of claim 2 wherein said step of providing program
data comprises supplying video and audio data of plural programs,
each being transmitted over a respective broadcast channel, and
compressing said video and audio data to produce compressed program
data of said plural programs.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of combining comprises
multiplexing the EPG image and text data with said compressed
program data of said plural programs, and wherein the number of
programs identified by said EPG data is substantially greater than
the number of programs with which said EPG data is multiplexed.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the step of generating EPG data
includes updating said EPG data periodically.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of providing program data
comprises supplying groups of program data, each group including
video and audio data associated with plural programs, each program
being transmitted over a respective broadcast channel, and
compressing the video and audio data of each group to produce
groups of compressed program data; wherein the step of combining
said EPG data and said program data comprises multiplexing said EPG
data with each group of compressed program data to produce
respective data output channels; and wherein the step of
transmitting comprises supplying each data output channel to a
respective satellite transponder for satellite transmission over
respective transponder channels.
9. A method of receiving electronic program guide (EPG) and program
data transmitted on plural broadcast channels, said EPG data
including image data representing images of reduced, less than
normal size to identify respective programs which currently are and
will be transmitted on several broadcast channels and said program
data including video and audio data of plural programs currently
being transmitted on respective broadcast channels, said method
comprising the steps of:
receiving the program data transmitted on different broadcast
channels and the EPG data transmitted with said program data;
separating the receiving EPG data from the received program
data;
storing the separated EPG data;
displaying a first program represented by the separated program
data;
selectively retrieving said stored EPG data;
displaying said images of reduced, less than normal size
represented by said retrieved EPG data, the reduced size images
being displayed in superposition over the first displayed program;
and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein said retrieved EPG data
identifies respective programs which currently are being
transmitted; and further comprising the steps of selecting one of
the reduced size images and displaying the program identified by
the selected reduced size image.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein the received EPG data further
includes text data representing information associated with each
program identified by said image data, said text data being
selectively retrieved from said stored EPG data and displayed.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the steps of
selecting one of the displayed reduced size images and displaying
the selected reduced size image and the text data associated with
the program identified by said selected reduced size image.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein said text data includes title
data identifying the title of the associated program, broadcast
data identifying date, time and broadcast channel at which said
associated program is to be transmitted, and description data
providing a description of said associated program.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein said text data comprises program
table data formed of title, data, time and broadcast channel data
for each of the respective programs to be transmitted.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein said text data additionally
comprises program content data providing a summary of the content
of each of the respective programs to be transmitted.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the received EPG data is
multiplexed with the received program data.
17. The method of claim 11 wherein at least one of the received
broadcast channels is a promotional channel and the program data
transmitted thereon is promotional video and audio data
representing particular programs transmitted on several other
broadcast channels.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein said text data is selectively
retrieved and displayed in superposition over a promotional video
display as a table of programs transmitted on non-promotional
broadcast channels.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein said text data is selectively
retrieved and displayed in superposition over a promotional video
display as a table of programs to be transmitted on a selected
non-promotional broadcast channel.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein said text data is selectively
retrieved and displayed in superposition over a promotional video
display as a description of a selected program to be transmitted on
a non-promotional broadcast channel.
21. Apparatus for transmitting an electronic program guide (EPG) to
identify programs which are to be transmitted, comprising:
generating means for generating EPG data including image data
representing images of reduced, less than normal, size to identify
respective programs which are to transmitted;
a source of program data constituting at least one program
currently being transmitted;
combining means for combining said EPG data and said program data;
and
transmission means for transmitting the combined data;
wherein said EPG data further includes text data representing
information associated with said identified programs;
wherein said EPG text data includes program table data formed of
title and broadcast data and program content data formed of
description data;
wherein said program table data is associated with programs
currently being transmitted and to be transmitted during a
predetermined time period, and said program content data is
associated with said programs currently being transmitted and to be
transmitted during a portion of said predetermined time period;
and
wherein, upon receipt of said transmitted combined data, a user may
select one of a plurality of images of a reduced size superimposed
on a first displayed full size image, said title information for
said selected image being displayed along with said plurality of
reduced size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user
may display a full size image associated with said selected image
in place of said first displayed full size image, or display
additional information regarding said selected image.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said information comprises at
least one of said title data identifying the title of a program to
be transmitted, said broadcast data identifying date and time at
which said program is to be transmitted and said description data
providing a description of the program to be transmitted.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising means for
generating text data associated with said at least one program
currently being transmitted; and means for combining said text data
with said EPG data and said program data; and wherein said
transmission means transmits the combined EPG data, program data
and text data.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said text data associated
with said at least one program comprises at least one of title data
identifying the title of the program currently being transmitted,
category data identifying a category type of the program currently
being transmitted, and transmission channel data identifying the
transmission channel over which said program is currently being
transmitted.
25. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said source of program data
comprises means for supplying video and audio data of plural
programs, each being transmitted over a respective broadcast
channel, and data compression means for compressing said video and
audio data to produce compressed program data of said plural
programs.
26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said combining means
comprises multiplexing means for multiplexing the EPG image and
text data with said compressed program data of said plural
programs, and wherein the number of programs identified by said EPG
data is substantially greater than the number of programs with
which said EPG data is multiplexed.
27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said generating means is
operable to update said EPG data periodically.
28. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said source of program data
comprises means for supplying groups of program data, each group
including video and audio data associated with plural programs,
each program being transmitted over a respective broadcast channel,
and means for compressing the video and audio data of each group to
produce groups of compressed program data; wherein said combining
means comprises means for multiplexing said EPG data with each
group of compressed program data to produce respective data output
channels; and wherein said transmission means comprises satellite
transponders and means supplying each data output channel to a
respective satellite transponder for satellite transmission over
respective transponder channels.
29. Apparatus for receiving electronic program guide (EPG) and
program data transmitted on plural broadcast channels, said EPG
data including image data representing images of reduced, less than
normal size to identify respective programs which currently are and
will be transmitted on several broadcast channels and said program
data including video and audio data of plural programs currently
being transmitted on respective broadcast channels, said apparatus
comprising:
receiving means for receiving the program data transmitted on
different broadcast channels and the EPG data transmitted with said
program data;
separating means for separating the received EPG data from the
received program data;
storage means for storing the separated EPG data;
display means for displaying a first program represented by the
separated program data;
read-out means for selectively retrieving said EPG data from said
storage means;
means for displaying on said display means said images of reduced,
less than normal size represented by said retrieved EPG data in
superposition over the first displayed program; and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the received EPG data further
includes text data representing information associated with each
program identified by said image data; and said read-out means is
operable to retrieve said text data from said storage means and
supply the retrieved text data to said display means.
31. The apparatus of claim 30 further comprising image selecting
means for selecting one of the displayed reduced size images to
cause said read-out means to retrieve from said storage means the
text data associated with the program identified by said selected
reduced size image for display therewith.
32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said text data includes title
data identifying the title of the associated program, broadcast
data identifying data, time and broadcast channel at which said
associated program is to be transmitted, and description data
providing a description of said associated program.
33. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein said text data comprises
program table data formed of title, data, time and broadcast
channel data for each of the respective programs to be
transmitted.
34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said text data additionally
comprises program content data providing a summary of the content
of each of the respective programs to be transmitted.
35. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the received EPG data is
multiplexed with the received program data.
36. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein at least one of the received
broadcast channels is a promotional channel and the program data
transmitted thereon is promotional video and audio data
representing particular programs transmitted on several other
broadcast channels.
37. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said display means is
operable to display the retrieved text data in superposition over a
promotional video display as a table of programs transmitted on
non-promotional broadcast channels.
38. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said display means is
operable to display the retrieved text data in superposition over a
promotional video display as a table of programs to be transmitted
on a selected non-promotional broadcast channel.
39. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said display means is
operable to display the retrieved text data in superposition over a
promotional video display as a description of a selected program to
be transmitted on a non-promotional broadcast channel.
40. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein said retrieved EPG data
identifies respective programs which currently are being
transmitted; and further comprising image selecting means for
selecting one of the displayed reduced size images and tuning means
for tuning said apparatus to the broadcast channel which transmits
the program identified by the selected reduced size image.
41. A method of transmitting and receiving an electronic program
guide (EPG) to identify programs which are to be transmitted,
comprising the steps of:
generating EPG data including image data representing images of
reduced, less than normal, size to identify respective programs
which are to be transmitted;
providing program data constituting at least one program currently
being transmitted;
combining said EPG data and said program data;
transmitting the combined data;
receiving the combined program and EPG data;
separating the received EPG data from the received program
data;
storing the separated EPG data;
displaying a first program represented by the separated program
data;
selectively retrieving said stored EPG data;
displaying said images of reduced, less than normal size
represented by said retrieved EPG data, the reduced size images
being displayed in superposition over the first displayed program;
and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
42. The method of claim 41 wherein said EPG data further includes
text data representing information associated with said identified
programs, said information comprising at least one of title data
identifying the title of a program to be transmitted, broadcast
data identifying date and time at which said program is to be
transmitted and description data providing a description of the
program to be transmitted.
43. The method of claim 41 further comprising the steps of
selecting one of the displayed reduced size images and displaying
the program identified by the selected reduced size image.
44. The method of claim 43 wherein the EPG data further includes
text data representing information associated with each program
identified by said image data, said text data being selectively
retrieved from said stored EPG data and displayed; and further
comprising the step of displaying the selected reduced size image
and the text data associated with the program identified by said
selected reduced size image.
45. The method of claim 41 wherein plural broadcast channels of
program data are transmitted; and at least one of the received
broadcast channels is a promotional channel and the program data
transmitted thereon is promotional video and audio data
representing particular programs transmitted on several other
broadcast channels.
46. Apparatus for transmitting and receiving an electronic guide
(EPG) to identify programs which are to be transmitted,
comprising:
generating means for generating EPG data including image data
representing images of reduced, less than normal, size to identify
respective programs which are to be transmitted;
a source of program data constituting at least one program
currently being transmitted;
combining means for combining said EPG data and said program
data;
transmission means for transmitting the combined data;
receiving means for receiving the combined program and EPG
data;
separating means for separating the received EPG data from the
received program data;
storage means for storing the separated EPG data;
display means for displaying a first program represented by the
separated program data;
read-out means for selectively retrieving said EPG data from said
storage means;
means for displaying on said display means said images of reduced,
less than normal size represented by said retrieved EPG data in
superposition over the first displayed program; and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
47. The apparatus of claim 46 wherein said EPG data further
includes text data representing information associated with said
identified programs, said information comprising at least one of
title data identifying the title of a program to be transmitted,
broadcast data identifying date and time at which said program is
to be transmitted and description data providing a description of
the program to be transmitted.
48. The apparatus of claim 47 further comprising image selecting
means for selecting one of the displayed reduced size images to
cause said read-out means to retrieve from said storage means the
text data associated with the program identified by said selected
reduced size image for display therewith.
49. A method of transmitting an electronic program guide (EPG) to
identify programs which are to be transmitted, comprising the steps
of:
generating EPG data including image data representing images of
reduced, less than normal, size to identify respective programs
which are to transmitted and text data representing information
associated with said identified programs, said information
comprising at least one of title data identifying the title of a
program to be transmitted, broadcast data identifying date and time
at which said program is to be transmitted and description data
providing a description of the program to be transmitted, in which
the step of generating EPG data includes updating said EPG data
periodically;
providing program data constituting at least one program currently
being transmitted, in which said step of providing program data
comprises supplying video and audio data of plural programs, each
being transmitted over a respective broadcast channel, and
compressing said video and audio data to produce compressed program
data of said plural programs;
combining said EPG data and said program data, in which the step of
combining comprises multiplexing the EPG image and text data with
said compressed program data of said plural programs; and
transmitting the combined data;
wherein the number of programs identified by said EPG data is
substantially greater than the number of programs with which said
EPG data is multiplexed;
wherein said EPG text data comprises program table data formed of
said title and broadcast data and program content data formed of
said description data, in which said program table data is
associated with programs currently being transmitted and to be
transmitted during a predetermined time period and in which said
program content data is associated with said programs currently
being transmitted and to be transmitted during a fraction of said
predetermined time period; and
wherein, upon receipt of said transmitted combined data, a user may
select one of a plurality of images of a reduced size superimposed
on a first displayed full size image, said title information for
said selected image being displayed along with said plurality of
reduced size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user
may display a full size image associated with said selected image
in place of said first displayed full size image, or display
additional information regarding said selected image.
50. A method of transmitting an electronic program guide (EPG) to
identify programs which are to be transmitted, comprising the steps
of:
generating EPG data including image data representing images of
reduced, less than normal, size to identify respective programs
which are to transmitted and text data representing information
associated with said identified programs, said information
comprising at least one of title data identifying the title of a
program to be transmitted, broadcast data identifying date and time
at which said program is to be transmitted and description data
providing a description of the program to be transmitted;
providing program data constituting at least one program currently
being transmitted;
combining said EPG data and said program data; and
transmitting the combined data;
wherein said program data is provided by supplying audio data and a
single frame of video data of respective programs to form
promotional programs data, each promotional program being
transmitted over a respective broadcast channel, and compressing
said audio and video data to produce compressed promotional program
data of plural promotional programs;
wherein said EPG data and the compressed promotional data are
combined by multiplexing the EPG image and text data with said
compressed promotional data, the title and broadcast data of said
EPG text data constituting program table data and the description
data of said EPG text data constituting program content data, such
that the multiplexed program table data is associated with programs
currently being transmitted and to be transmitted during a
predetermined time period and the multiplexed program content data
is associated with said programs currently being transmitted and to
be transmitted during a fraction of said predetermined time period;
and
wherein, upon receipt of said transmitted combined data, a user may
select one of a plurality of images of a reduced size superimposed
on a first displayed full size image, said title information for
said selected image being displayed along with said plurality of
reduced size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user
may display a full size image associated with said selected image
in place of said first displayed full size image, or display
additional information regarding said selected image.
51. A method of receiving electronic program guide (EPG) and
program data transmitted on plural broadcast channels, said EPG
data including image data representing images of reduced, less than
normal size to identify respective programs which currently are and
will be transmitted on several broadcast channels and said program
data including video and audio data of plural programs currently
being transmitted on respective broadcast channels, said method
comprising the steps of:
receiving the program data transmitted on different broadcast
channels and the EPG data transmitted with said program data;
separating the received EPG data from the received program
data;
storing the separated EPG data;
displaying a first program represented by the separated program
data;
selectively retrieving said stored EPG data; and
displaying said images of reduced, less than normal size
represented by said retrieved EPG data, the reduced size images
being displayed in superposition over the first displayed
program;
wherein the received EPG data further includes text data
representing information associated with each program identified by
said image data, said text data comprising program table data
formed of title, data, time and broadcast channel data for each of
the respective programs to be transmitted and program content data
providing a summary of the content of each of the respective
programs to be transmitted and said text data being selectively
retrieved from said stored EPG data and displayed;
wherein said program table data is associated with programs
currently being transmitted and programs to be transmitted during a
predetermined time period, and said program content data is
associated with said programs currently being transmitted and said
programs to be transmitted during a fraction of said predetermined
time period; and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
52. A method of receiving electronic program guide (EPG) and
program data transmitted on plural broadcast channels, said EPG
data including image data representing images of reduced, less than
normal size to identify respective programs which currently are and
will be transmitted on several broadcast channels and said program
data including video and audio data of plural programs currently
being transmitted on respective broadcast channels, said method
comprising the steps of:
receiving the program data transmitted on different broadcast
channels and the EPG data transmitted with said program data;
separating the received EPG data from the received program
data;
storing the separated EPG data;
displaying a first program represented by the separated program
data;
selectively retrieving said stored EPG data; and
displaying said images of reduced, less than normal size
represented by said retrieved EPG data, the reduced size images
being displayed in superposition over the first displayed
program;
wherein the received EPG data further includes text data
representing information associated with each program identified by
said image data, said text data comprising program table data
formed of title, time and broadcast channel data for each of the
respective programs to be transmitted and program content data
providing a summary of the content of each of the respective
programs to be transmitted and said text data being selectively
retrieved from said stored EPG data and displayed;
wherein the received program data is compressed and is multiplexed
with the received EPG data;
wherein the step of receiving the program data includes the step of
expanding the compressed program data; and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
53. A method of receiving electronic program guide (EPG) and
program data transmitted on plural broadcast channels, said EPG
data including image data representing images of reduced, less than
normal size to identify respective programs which currently are and
will be transmitted on several broadcast channels and said program
data including video and audio data of plural programs currently
being transmitted on respective broadcast channels, said method
comprising the steps of:
receiving the program data transmitted on different broadcast
channels and the EPG data transmitted with said program data;
separating the received EPG data from the received program
data;
storing the separated EPG data;
displaying a first program represented by the separated program
data;
selectively retrieving said stored EPG data; and
displaying said images of reduced, less than normal size
represented by said retrieved EPG data, the reduced size images
being displayed in superposition over the first displayed
program;
wherein the received EPG data further includes text data
representing information associated with each program identified by
said image data, said text data comprising program table data
formed of title, time and broadcast channel data for each of the
respective programs to be transmitted and program content data
providing a summary of the content of each of the respective
programs to be transmitted and said text data being selectively
retrieved from said stored EPG data and displayed;
wherein the received EPG data is multiplexed with the received
program data;
wherein the EPG data and program data are received via satellite
transmission channels, each satellite transmission channel
comprising plural broadcast channels multiplexed with the EPG
data;
wherein the step of separating comprises demultiplexing each
satellite transmission channel to recover said EPG data and the
program data transmitted on each of said broadcast channels;
and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
54. The method of claim 53 further comprising the step of storing
the recovered program data transmitted on each broadcast channel;
and wherein the step of displaying a program comprises selecting
the stored program data that had been transmitted on a desired
broadcast channel, and displaying said selected program data.
55. A method of receiving electronic program guide (EPG) and
program data transmitted on plural broadcast channels, said EPG
data including image data representing images of reduced, less than
normal size to identify respective programs which currently are and
will be transmitted on several broadcast channels and said program
data including video and audio data of plural programs currently
being transmitted on respective broadcast channels, said method
comprising the steps of:
receiving the program data transmitted on different broadcast
channels and the EPG data transmitted with said program data, in
which the received EPG data further includes text data representing
information associated with each program identified by said image
data;
separating the received EPG data from the received program
data;
storing the separated EPG data;
displaying a first program represented by the separated program
data;
selectively retrieving said stored EPG data and selectively
retrieving said text data from said stored EPG data;
displaying said images of reduced, less than normal size
represented by said retrieved EPG data, the reduced size images
being displayed in superposition over the first displayed program
and displaying the text data selectively retrieved from said stored
EPG data;
displaying a text window superimposed over said first displayed
program;
selecting one of the displayed reduced size images;
displaying in said text window said text data representing
information associated with the program identified by said selected
reduced size image; and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
56. The method of claim 55 wherein the text data displayed in said
text window includes title of said identified program and broadcast
channel over which said identified program is transmitted.
57. A method of receiving electronic program guide (EPG) and
program data transmitted on plural broadcast channels, said EPG
data including image data representing images of reduced, less than
normal size to identify respective programs which currently are and
will be transmitted on several broadcast channels and said program
data including video and audio data of plural programs currently
being transmitted on respective broadcast channels, said method
comprising the steps of:
receiving the program data transmitted on different broadcast
channels and the EPG data transmitted with said program data;
separating the received EPG data from the received program
data;
storing the separated EPG data;
displaying a first program represented by the separated program
data;
selectively retrieving said stored EPG data;
displaying said images of reduced, less than normal size
represented by said retrieved EPG data, the reduced size images
being displayed in superposition over the first displayed
program;
pre-storing predetermined display indicia;
receiving as part of said EPG data access information for accessing
selected display indicia;
reading out said selected display indicia in response to the
received access information;
displaying said selected display indicia in superposition over said
first displayed program; and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
58. Apparatus for transmitting an electronic program guide (EPG) to
identify programs which are to be transmitted, comprising:
generating means for generating EPG data including image data
representing images of reduced, less than normal, size to identify
respective programs which are to transmitted and text data
representing information associated with said identified programs,
said information comprising at least one of title data identifying
the title of a program to be transmitted, broadcast data
identifying date and time at which said program is to be
transmitted and description data providing a description of the
program to be transmitted, said generating means being operable to
update said EPG data periodically;
a source of program data constituting at least one program
currently being transmitted, said source of program data comprises
means for supplying video and audio data of plural programs, each
being transmitted over a respective broadcast channel, and data
compression means for compressing said video and audio data to
produce compressed program data of said plural programs;
combining means for combining said EPG data and said program data,
said combining means comprising multiplexing means for multiplexing
the EPG image and text data with said compressed program data of
said plural programs; and
transmission means for transmitting the combined data;
wherein the number of programs identified by said EPG data is
substantially greater than the number of programs with which said
EPG data is multiplexed;
wherein said EPG text data comprises program table data formed of
said title and broadcast data and program content data formed of
said description data, in which said program table data is
associated with programs currently being transmitted and to be
transmitted during a predetermined time period and in which said
program content data is associated with said programs currently
being transmitted and to be transmitted during a fraction of said
predetermined time period; and
wherein, upon receipt of said transmitted combined data, a user may
select one of a plurality of images of a reduced size superimposed
on a first displayed full size image, said title information for
said selected image being displayed along with said plurality of
reduced size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user
may display a full size image associated with said selected image
in place of said first displayed full size image, or display
additional information regarding said selected image.
59. Apparatus for transmitting an electronic program guide (EPG) to
identify programs which are to be transmitted, comprising:
generating means for generating EPG data including image data
representing images of reduced, less than normal, size to identify
respective programs which are to transmitted and text data
representing information associated with said identified programs,
said information comprising at least one of title data identifying
the title of a program to be transmitted, broadcast data
identifying date and time at which said program is to be
transmitted and description data providing a description of the
program to be transmitted;
a source of program data constituting at least one program
currently being transmitted;
combining means for combining said EPG data and said program data;
and
transmission means for transmitting the combined data;
wherein said source of program data comprises promotion data
generating means for supplying audio data and a single frame of
video data of respective programs to form promotional programs
data, each promotional program being transmitted over a respective
broadcast channel, and promotion data compression means for
compressing said audio and video data to produce compressed
promotional program data of plural promotional programs;
wherein said combining means comprises multiplexing means for
multiplexing the EPG image and text data with said compressed
promotional data, the title and broadcast data of said EPG text
data constituting program table data and the description data of
said EPG text data constituting program content data, such that the
multiplexed program table data is associated with programs
currently being transmitted and to be transmitted during a
predetermined time period and the multiplexed program content data
is associated with said programs currently being transmitted and to
be transmitted during a fraction of said predetermined time period;
and
wherein, upon receipt of said transmitted combined data, a user may
select one of a plurality of images of a reduced size superimposed
on a first displayed full size image, said title information for
said selected image being displayed along with said plurality of
reduced size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user
may display a full size image associated with said selected image
in place of said first displayed full size image, or display
additional information regarding said selected image.
60. Apparatus for receiving electronic program guide (EPG) and
program data transmitted on plural broadcast channels, said EPG
data including image data representing images of reduced, less than
normal size to identify respective programs which currently are and
will be transmitted on several broadcast channels and text data
representing information associated with each program identified by
said image data and said program data including video and audio
data of plural programs currently being transmitted on respective
broadcast channels, said apparatus comprising:
receiving means for receiving the program data transmitted on
different broadcast channels and the EPG data transmitted with said
program data;
separating means for separating the received EPG data from the
received program data;
storage means for storing the separated EPG data;
display means for displaying a first program represented by the
separated program data;
read-out means for selectively retrieving said EPG data from said
storage means, said read-out means being operable to retrieve said
text data from said storage means and supply the retrieved text
data to said display means;
means for displaying on said display means said images of reduced,
less than normal size represented by said retrieved EPG data in
superposition over the first displayed program;
image selecting means for selecting one of the displayed reduced
size images to cause said read-out means to retrieve from said
storage means the text data associated with the program identified
by said selected reduced size image for display therewith, in which
said image selecting means comprises a cursor and cursor control
means operable by a user to position said cursor at a desired one
of the displayed reduced size images and thereby select said
desired reduced size image; and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
61. Apparatus for receiving electronic program guide (EPG) and
program data transmitted on plural broadcast channels, said EPG
data including image data representing images of reduced, less than
normal size to identify respective programs which currently are and
will be transmitted on several broadcast channels and text data
representing information associated with each program identified by
said image data and said program data including video and audio
data of plural programs currently being transmitted on respective
broadcast channels, said apparatus comprising:
receiving means for receiving the program data transmitted on
different broadcast channels and the EPG data transmitted with said
program data;
separating means for separating the received EPG data from the
received program data;
storage means for storing the separated EPG data;
display means for displaying a first program represented by the
separated program data;
read-out means for selectively retrieving said EPG data from said
storage means, said read-out means being operable to retrieve said
text data from said storage means and supply the retrieved text
data to said display means; and
means for displaying on said display means said images of reduced,
less than normal size represented by said retrieved EPG data in
superposition over the first displayed program;
wherein said text data comprises program table data formed of
title, data, time and broadcast channel data for each of the
respective programs to be transmitted and program content data
providing a summary of the content of each of the respective
programs to be transmitted, in which said program table data is
associated with programs currently being transmitted and programs
to be transmitted during a predetermined time period and in which
said program content data is associated with said programs
currently being transmitted and said programs to be transmitted
during a fraction of said predetermined time period; and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
62. Apparatus for receiving electronic program guide (EPG) and
program data transmitted on plural broadcast channels, said EPG
data including image data representing images of reduced, less than
normal size to identify respective programs which currently are and
will be transmitted on several broadcast channels and text data
representing information associated with each program identified by
said image data and said program data including video and audio
data of plural programs currently being transmitted on respective
broadcast channels, said apparatus comprising:
receiving means for receiving the program data transmitted on
different broadcast channels and the EPG data transmitted with said
program data;
separating means for separating the received EPG data from the
received program data;
storage means for storing the separated EPG data;
display means for displaying a first program represented by the
separated program data;
read-out means for selectively retrieving said EPG data from said
storage means, said read-out means being operable to retrieve said
text data from said storage means and supply the retrieved text
data to said display means; and
means for displaying on said display means said images of reduced,
less than normal size represented by said retrieved EPG data in
superposition over the first displayed program;
wherein said text data comprises program table data formed of
title, time and broadcast channel data for each of the respective
programs to be transmitted and program content data providing a
summary of the content of each of the respective programs to be
transmitted;
wherein the received program data is compressed and multiplexed
with the received EPG data;
wherein the receiving means includes decompressing means for
expanding the compressed program data; and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
63. Apparatus for receiving electronic program guide (EPG) and
program data transmitted on plural broadcast channels, said EPG
data including image data representing images of reduced, less than
normal size to identify respective programs which currently are and
will be transmitted on several broadcast channels and text data
representing information associated with each program identified by
said image data and said program data including video and audio
data of plural programs currently being transmitted on respective
broadcast channels, said apparatus comprising:
receiving means for receiving the program data transmitted on
different broadcast channels and the EPG data transmitted with said
program data;
separating means for separating the received EPG data from the
received program data;
storage means for storing the separated EPG data;
display means for displaying a first program represented by the
separated program data;
read-out means for selectively retrieving said EPG data from said
storage means, said read-out means being operable to retrieve said
text data from said storage means and supply the retrieved text
data to said display means; and
means for displaying on said display means said images of reduced,
less than normal size represented by said retrieved EPG data in
superposition over the first displayed program;
wherein said text data comprises program table data formed of
title, data, time and broadcast channel data for each of the
respective programs to be transmitted and program content data
providing a summary of the content of each of the respective
programs to be transmitted;
wherein the received EPG data is multiplexed with the received
program data;
wherein the EPG data and program data are received via satellite
transmission channels, each satellite transmission channel
comprising plural broadcast channels multiplexed with the EPG
data;
wherein the separating means comprises demultiplexing means for
demultiplexing each satellite transmission channel to recover said
EPG data and the program data transmitted on each of said broadcast
channels; and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
64. The apparatus of claim 63 further comprising tuning means for
tuning said apparatus to a selected broadcast channel; memory means
for storing the recovered program data transmitted on the selected
broadcast channel; and means for reading out the program data
stored in said memory means and supplying same to said display
means to display said read out program data.
65. Apparatus for receiving electronic program guide (EPG) and
program data transmitted on plural broadcast channels, said EPG
data including image data representing images of reduced, less than
normal size to identify respective programs which currently are and
will be transmitted on several broadcast channels and said program
data including video and audio data of plural programs currently
being transmitted on respective broadcast channels, said apparatus
comprising:
a memory for pre-storing predetermined display indicia;
receiving means for receiving the program data transmitted on
different broadcast channels and the EPG data transmitted with said
program data, said receiving means being operable to receive as
part of said EPG data access information for accessing selected
display indicia;
separating means for separating the received EPG data from the
received program data;
storage means for storing the separated EPG data;
display means for displaying a first program represented by the
separated program data;
read-out means for selectively retrieving said EPG data from said
storage means, said read-out means being operable to read out said
selected display indicia in response to the received access
information;
means for displaying on said display means said images of reduced,
less than normal size represented by said retrieved EPG data in
superposition over the first displayed program, said display means
being operable to display said selected display indicia in
superposition over said first displayed program; and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
66. Apparatus for receiving electronic program guide (EPG) and
program data transmitted on plural broadcast channels, said EPG
data including image data representing images of reduced, less than
normal size to identify respective programs which currently are and
will be transmitted on several broadcast channels and text data
representing information associated with each program identified by
said image data and said program data including video and audio
data of plural programs currently being transmitted on respective
broadcast channels, said apparatus comprising:
receiving means for receiving the program data transmitted on
different broadcast channels and the EPG data transmitted with said
program data;
separating means for separating the received EPG data from the
received program data;
storage means for storing the separated EPG data;
display means for displaying a first program represented by the
separated program data, said display means being operable to
display a text window superimposed over the first displayed
program;
read-out means for selectively retrieving said EPG data from said
storage means, said read-out means being operable to retrieve said
text data from said storage means and supply the retrieved text
data to said display means;
means for displaying on said display means said images of reduced,
less than normal size represented by said retrieved EPG data in
superposition over the first displayed program;
image selecting means for selecting one of the displayed reduced
size images to cause said read-out means to retrieve said text data
representing information associated with the program identified by
said selected reduced size image for display in said text window;
and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
67. The apparatus of claim 66 wherein the text data displayed in
said text window includes title of said identified program and
broadcast channel over which said identified program is
transmitted.
68. A method of transmitting and receiving an electronic program
guide (EPG) to identify programs which are to be transmitted,
comprising the steps of:
generating EPG data including image data representing images of
reduced, less than normal, size to identify respective programs
which are to transmitted;
providing program data constituting at least one program currently
being transmitted;
combining said EPG data and said program data;
transmitting the combined data;
receiving the combined program and EPG data;
separating the received EPG data from the received program
data;
storing the separated EPG data;
displaying a first program represented by the separated program
data;
selectively retrieving said stored EPG data; and
displaying said images of reduced, less than normal size
represented by said retrieved EPG data, the reduced size images
being displayed in superposition over the first displayed
program;
wherein said EPG data further includes text data representing
information associated with said identified programs, said
information comprising at least one of title data identifying the
title of a program to be transmitted, broadcast data identifying
date and time at which said program is to be transmitted and
description data providing a description of the program to be
transmitted,
wherein said step of providing program data comprises supplying
video and audio data of plural programs, each being transmitted
over a respective broadcast channel, and compressing said video and
audio data to produce compressed program data of said plural
programs; and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
69. The method of claim 68 wherein the step of combining comprises
multiplexing the EPG image and text data with said compressed
program data of said plural programs, and wherein the number of
programs identified by said EPG data is substantially greater than
the number of programs with which said EPG data is multiplexed.
70. A method of transmitting and receiving an electronic program
guide (EPG) to identify programs which are to be transmitted,
comprising the steps of:
generating EPG data including image data representing images of
reduced, less than normal, size to identify respective programs
which are to transmitted;
providing program data constituting at least one program currently
being transmitted;
combining said EPG data and said program data;
transmitting the combined data;
receiving the combined program and EPG data;
separating the received EPG data from the received program
data;
storing the separated EPG data;
displaying a first program represented by the separated program
data;
selectively retrieving said stored EPG data; and
displaying said images of reduced, less than normal size
represented by said retrieved EPG data, the reduced size images
being displayed in superposition over the first displayed
program;
wherein said EPG data further includes text data representing
information associated with said identified programs, said
information comprising at least one of title data identifying the
title of a program to be transmitted, broadcast data identifying
date and time at which said program is to be transmitted and
description data providing a description of the program to be
transmitted,
wherein said program data is provided by supplying audio data and a
single frame of video data of respective programs to form
promotional programs data, each promotional program being
transmitted over a respective broadcast channel, and compressing
said audio and video data to produce compressed promotional program
data of plural promotional programs;
wherein said EPG data and the compressed promotional data are
combined by multiplexing the EPG image and text data with said
compressed promotional data, the title and broadcast data of said
EPG text data constituting program table data and the description
data of said EPG text data constituting program content data, such
that the multiplexed program table data is associated with programs
currently being transmitted and to be transmitted during a
predetermined time period and the multiplexed program content data
is associated with said programs currently being transmitted and to
be transmitted during a fraction of said predetermined time period;
and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
71. A method of transmitting and receiving an electronic program
guide (EPG) to identify programs which are to be transmitted,
comprising the steps of:
generating EPG data including image data representing images of
reduced, less than normal, size to identify respective programs
which are to transmitted;
providing program data constituting at least one program currently
being transmitted;
combining said EPG data and said program data;
transmitting the combined data;
receiving the combined program and EPG data;
separating the received EPG data from the received program
data;
storing the separated EPG data;
displaying a first program represented by the separated program
data;
selectively retrieving said stored EPG data; and
displaying said images of reduced, less than normal size
represented by said retrieved EPG data, the reduced size images
being displayed in superposition over the first displayed
program;
wherein the step of providing program data comprises supplying
groups of program data, each group including video and audio data
associated with plural programs, each program being transmitted
over a respective broadcast channel, and compressing the video and
audio data of each group to produce groups of compressed program
data;
wherein the step of combining said EPG data and said program data
comprises multiplexing said EPG data with each group of compressed
program data to produce respective data output channels;
wherein the step of transmitting comprises supplying each data
output channel to a respective satellite transponder for satellite
transmission over respective transponder channels; and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
72. A method of transmitting and receiving an electronic program
guide (EPG) to identify programs which are to be transmitted,
comprising the steps of generating EPG data including image data
representing images of reduced, less than normal, size to identify
respective programs which are to transmitted; providing program
data constituting at least one program currently being transmitted;
combining said EPG data and said program data; transmitting the
combined data; receiving the combined program and EPG data;
separating the received EPG data from the received program data;
storing the separated EPG data; displaying a first program
represented by the separated program data; selectively retrieving
said stored EPG data; displaying said images of reduced, less than
normal size represented by said retrieved EPG data, the reduced
size images being displayed in superposition over the first
displayed program; selecting one of the displayed reduced size
images and displaying the program identified by the selected
reduced size image; wherein the EPG data further includes text data
representing information associated with each program identified by
said image data, said text data being selectively retrieved from
said stored EPG data and displayed; and displaying the selected
reduced size image and the text data associated with the program
identified by said selected reduced size image; wherein the
combined EPG and program data are multiplexed together and the
received program data is compressed; wherein the step of receiving
the program data includes the step of expanding the compressed
program data; and wherein, a user may select one of said images of
a reduced size superimposed on the first displayed program, said
title information for said selected image being displayed along
with said reduced size images, and wherein upon further operation,
said user may display a new program associated with said selected
image in place of said first displayed program, or display
additional information regarding said selected image.
73. The method of claim 72 further comprising the step of storing
the received program data; and wherein the step of displaying the
program comprises selecting stored program data that had been
transmitted on a desired broadcast channel, and displaying said
selected program data.
74. A method of transmitting and receiving an electronic program
guide (EPG) to identify programs which are to be transmitted,
comprising the steps of generating EPG data including image data
representing images of reduced, less than normal, size to identify
respective programs which are to transmitted; providing program
data constituting at least one program currently being transmitted;
combining said EPG data and said program data; transmitting the
combined data; receiving the combined program and EPG data;
separating the received EPG data from the received program data;
storing the separated EPG data; displaying a first program
represented by the separated program data; selectively retrieving
said stored EPG data; displaying said images of reduced, less than
normal size represented by said retrieved EPG data, the reduced
size images being displayed in superposition over the first
displayed program; selecting one of the displayed reduced size
images and displaying the program identified by the selected
reduced size image; wherein the EPG data further includes text data
representing information associated with each program identified by
said image data, said text data being selectively retrieved from
said stored EPG data and displayed; displaying the selected reduced
size image and the text data associated with the program identified
by said selected reduced size image; displaying a text window
superimposed over said first displayed program; selecting one of
the displayed reduced size images; displaying in said text window
said text data representing information associated with the program
identified by said selected reduced size image; and wherein, a user
may select one of said images of a reduced size superimposed on the
first displayed program, said title information for said selected
image being displayed along with said reduced size images, and
wherein upon further operation, said user may display a new program
associated with said selected image in place of said first
displayed program, or display additional information regarding said
selected image.
75. The apparatus of claim 74 wherein said source of program data
comprises promotion data generating means for supplying audio data
and a single frame of video data of respective programs to form
promotional programs data, each promotional program being
transmitted over a respective broadcast channel, and promotion data
compression means for compressing said audio and video data to
produce compressed promotional program data of plural promotional
programs; and wherein said combining means comprises multiplexing
means for multiplexing the EPG image and text data with said
compressed promotional data, the title and broadcast data of said
EPG text data constituting program table data and the description
data of said EPG text data constituting program content data, such
that the multiplexed program table data is associated with programs
currently being transmitted and to be transmitted during a
predetermined time period and the multiplexed program content data
is associated with said programs currently being transmitted and to
be transmitted during a fraction of said predetermined time
period.
76. A method of transmitting and receiving an electronic program
guide (EPG) to identify programs which are to be transmitted,
comprising the steps of:
generating EPG data including image data representing images of
reduced, less than normal, size to identify respective programs
which are to transmitted;
providing program data constituting at least one program currently
being transmitted;
combining said EPG data and said program data;
pre-storing predetermined display indicia;
transmitting the combined data;
transmitting as part of said EPG data access information for
accessing selected display indicia;
receiving the combined program and EPG data;
separating the received EPG data from the received program
data;
storing the separated EPG data;
reading out said selected display indicia in response to received
access information;
displaying a first program represented by the separated program
data;
selectively retrieving said stored EPG data;
displaying said images of reduced, less than normal size
represented by said retrieved EPG data, the reduced size images
being displayed in superposition over the first displayed
program;
displaying said selected display indicia in superposition over said
displayed program; and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
77. Apparatus for transmitting and receiving an electronic program
guide (EPG) to identify programs which are to be transmitted,
comprising:
generating means for generating EPG data including image data
representing images of reduced, less than normal, size to identify
respective programs which are to transmitted;
a source of program data constituting at least one program
currently being transmitted;
combining means for combining said EPG data and said program
data;
transmission means for transmitting the combined data;
receiving means for receiving the combined program and EPG
data;
separating means for separating the received EPG data from the
received program data;
storage means for storing the separated EPG data;
display means for displaying a first program represented by the
separated program data;
read-out means for selectively retrieving said EPG data from said
storage means; and
means for displaying on said display means said images of reduced,
less than normal size represented by said retrieved EPG data in
superposition over the first displayed program,
wherein said EPG data further includes text data representing
information associated with said identified programs, said
information comprising at least one of title data identifying the
title of a program to be transmitted, broadcast data identifying
date and time at which said program is to be transmitted and
description data providing a description of the program to be
transmitted,
wherein said source of program data comprises means for supplying
video and audio data of plural programs, each being transmitted
over a respective broadcast channel, and data compression means for
compressing said video and audio data to produce compressed program
data of said plural programs; and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
78. The apparatus of claim 77 wherein said combining means
comprises multiplexing means for multiplexing the EPG image and
text data with said compressed program data of said plural
programs, and wherein the number of programs identified by said EPG
data is substantially greater than the number of programs with
which said EPG data is multiplexed.
79. Apparatus for transmitting and receiving an electronic program
guide (EPG) to identify programs which are to be transmitted,
comprising:
generating means for generating EPG data including image data
representing images of reduced, less than normal, size to identify
respective programs which are to transmitted;
a source of program data constituting at least one program
currently being transmitted;
combining means for combining said EPG data and said program
data;
transmission means for transmitting the combined data;
receiving means for receiving the combined program and EPG
data;
separating means for separating the received EPG data from the
received program data;
storage means for storing the separated EPG data;
display means for displaying a first program represented by the
separated program data;
read-out means for selectively retrieving said EPG data from said
storage means; and
means for displaying on said display means said images of reduced,
less than normal size represented by said retrieved EPG data in
superposition over the first displayed program;
wherein said source of program data comprises means for supplying
groups of program data, each group including video and audio data
associated with plural programs, each program being transmitted
over a respective broadcast channel, and means for compressing the
video and audio data of each group to produce groups of compressed
program data;
wherein said combining means comprises means for multiplexing said
EPG data with each group of compressed program data to produce
respective data output channels;
wherein said transmission means comprises satellite transponders
and means supplying each data output channel to a respective
satellite transponder for satellite transmission over respective
transponder channels; and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
80. Apparatus for transmitting and receiving an electronic program
guide (EPG) to identify programs which are to be transmitted,
comprising generating means for generating EPG data including image
data representing images of reduced, less than normal, size to
identify respective programs which are to transmitted; a source of
program data constituting at least one program currently being
transmitted; combining means for combining said EPG data and said
program data; transmission means for transmitting the combined
data; receiving means for receiving the combined program and EPG
data; separating means for separating the received EPG data from
the received program data; storage means for storing the separated
EPG data; display means for displaying a first program represented
by the separated program data; read-out means for selectively
retrieving said EPG data from said storage means; means for
displaying on said display means said images of reduced, less than
normal size represented by said retrieved EPG data in superposition
over the first displayed program; wherein said EPG data further
includes text data representing information associated with said
identified programs, said information comprising at least one of
title data identifying the title of a program to be transmitted,
broadcast data identifying date and time at which said program is
to be transmitted and description data providing a description of
the program to be transmitted; image selecting means for selecting
one of the displayed reduced size images to cause said read-out
means to retrieve from said storage means the text data associated
with the program identified by said selected reduced size image for
display therewith, wherein said image selecting means comprises a
cursor and cursor control means operable by a user to position said
cursor at a desired one of the displayed reduced size images and
thereby select said desired reduced size image; and wherein, a user
may select one of said images of a reduced size superimposed on the
first displayed program, said title information for said selected
image being displayed along with said reduced size images, and
wherein upon further operation, said user may display a new program
associated with said selected image in place of said first
displayed program, or display additional information regarding said
selected image.
81. The apparatus of claim 80 wherein the combined EPG and program
data are multiplexed together and the received program data is
compressed; and wherein the receiving means includes decompressing
means for expanding the compressed program data.
82. The apparatus of claim 81 wherein the transmission means
transmits the EPG data and program data via satellite transmission
channels, each satellite transmission channel comprising plural
broadcast channels multiplexed with the EPG data; and wherein the
separating means comprises demultiplexing means for demultiplexing
each satellite transmission channel to recover said EPG data and
the program data transmitted on each of said broadcast
channels.
83. The apparatus of claim 82 further comprising tuning means for
tuning said apparatus to a selected broadcast channel; memory means
for storing the recovered program data transmitted on the selected
broadcast channel; and means for reading out the program data
stored in said memory means and supplying same to said display
means to display said read out program data.
84. The apparatus of claim 82 wherein at least one of the
transmitted broadcast channels is a promotional channel and the
program data transmitted thereon is promotional video and audio
data representing particular programs transmitted on several other
broadcast channels.
85. Apparatus for transmitting and receiving an electronic program
guide (EPG) to identify programs which are to be transmitted,
comprising:
generating means for generating EPG data including image data
representing images of reduced, less than normal, size to identify
respective programs which are to transmitted;
a source of program data constituting at least one program
currently being transmitted;
combining means for combining said EPG data and said program
data;
transmission means for transmitting the combined data; receiving
means for receiving the combined program and EPG data;
separating means for separating the received EPG data from the
received program data;
storage means for storing the separated EPG data;
display means for displaying a first program represented by the
separated program data;
read-out means for selectively retrieving said EPG data from said
storage means; and
means for displaying on said display means said images of reduced,
less than normal size represented by said retrieved EPG data in
superposition over the first displayed program;
wherein said storage means includes a memory for pre-storing
predetermined display indicia, said generating means being operable
to generate as part of said EPG data access information for
accessing selected display indicia, said read-out means being
operable to read out said selected display indicia in response to
received access information, and said display means being operable
to display said selected display indicia in superposition over said
first displayed program; and
wherein, a user may select one of said images of a reduced size
superimposed on the first displayed program, said title information
for said selected image being displayed along with said reduced
size images, and wherein upon further operation, said user may
display a new program associated with said selected image in place
of said first displayed program, or display additional information
regarding said selected image.
86. Apparatus for transmitting and receiving an electronic program
guide (EPG) to identify programs which are to be transmitted,
comprising generating means for generating EPG data including image
data representing images of reduced, less than normal, size to
identify respective programs which are to transmitted; a source of
program data constituting at least one program currently being
transmitted; combining means for combining said EPG data and said
program data; transmission means for transmitting the combined
data; receiving means for receiving the combined program and EPG
data; separating means for separating the received EPG data from
the received program data; storage means for storing the separated
EPG data; display means for displaying a first program represented
by the separated program data; read-out means for selectively
retrieving said EPG data from said storage means; means for
displaying on said display means said images of reduced, less than
normal size represented by said retrieved EPG data in superposition
over the first displayed program; wherein said EPG data further
includes text data representing information associated with said
identified programs, said information comprising at least one of
title data identifying the title of a program to be transmitted,
broadcast data identifying date and time at which said program is
to be transmitted and description data providing a description of
the program to be transmitted and wherein said display means is
operable to display a text window superimposed over said first
displayed program; and further comprising image selecting means for
selecting one of the displayed reduced size images to cause said
read-out means to retrieve said text data representing information
associated with the program identified by said selected reduced
size image for display in said text window; and wherein, a user may
select one of said images of a reduced size superimposed on the
first displayed program, said title information for said selected
image being displayed along with said reduced size images, and
wherein upon further operation, said user may display a new program
associated with said selected image in place of said first
displayed program, or display additional information regarding said
selected image.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a technique for transmitting and
receiving electronic program guide (EPG) data and, more
particularly, to such a technique which permits a user to view,
readily understand and select a desired one of several programs,
such as television programs, that presently are being transmitted
and that will be transmitted to the user's receiving apparatus.
Electronic program guides have been proposed wherein information,
known as EPG data, representing different television programs that
may be received by a user is transmitted over the same medium that
is used to transmit the television programs themselves. For
example, recently introduced satellite transmission systems,
commercially available as Direct Satellite Broadcast Systems (DSS),
provide a user with the ability to selectively receive one of a
multiple of different broadcast channels, each of which has
different television programming transmitted thereover. Typically,
the user subscribes to a DSS provider and, depending upon the
user's selection, different broadcast channels may be received from
that provider. Some of these broadcast channels are used to transit
what has become known as "premium" television programming; and
depending upon subscription rates, subscription plans, and the
like, a user may receive such premium television programming as
well as special events, first-run movies, and the like. For
example, with a single satellite dish receiver, a DSS subscriber
presently may receive on the order of about 80 broadcast channels,
each providing different television programming, movies, special
events. etc.
EPG data systems have been proposed, wherein EPG data relating to
each of the programs that may be transmitted on each of the
broadcast channels for a period of time (for example, television
program information for the next hour, several hours, days, weeks,
etc.) are transmitted. The EPG data may be transmitted in-band (on
the same broadcast channel as the program) or out-of-band (on a
separate broadcast channel not normally used to carry programs).
Such EPG data heretofore has been in the form of text data only,
thereby providing the user with an EPG display of those television
programs that are transmitted on respective broadcast channels for
a given period of time. Once provided with this television program
information, the user then may tune his television receiving
apparatus to a desired broadcast channel at the proper time so as
to receive the selected program. Often, a user may not readily
appreciate the content of a particular television program simply
from its displayed title. Also, a user may need more information,
other than a simple title, to fully appreciate the type of
television programs that are available in order to make an informed
selection.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an
approved EPG technique which provides a user with adequate
information relating to television programs (or other types of
programs) that may be received.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved EPG
technique wherein the EPG data includes image data representing
images of reduced, less than normal, size to identify respective
programs which can be received.
A further object of this invention is to provide an improved EPG
technique wherein the EPG data also includes text data representing
information associated with each of the programs that presently are
being transmitted and that will be transmitted and may be received
by the user, the text data being selectively displayed as a table
which provides a useful guide relating to several programs or as
descriptive information relating to only a selected one of those
programs.
An additional object of this invention is provide an improved EPG
technique wherein EPG information is displayed as a plurality of
reduced size images representing programs that presently are being
transmitted and/or that will be transmitted, the reduced size
images being superimposed onto a displayed program then being
received.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a technique,
as aforementioned, wherein receiving apparatus may be tuned quickly
to a desired broadcast channel carrying a program which is
identified by one of several concurrently displayed reduced size
images.
Various other objects, advantages and features of the present
invention will become readily apparent from the ensuing detailed
description, and the novel features will particularly pointed out
in the appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with this invention, an electronic program guide
(EPG) which identifies programs that are to be transmitted is
itself transmitted in the form of EPG data which includes image
data representing images of reduced, less than normal size to
identify respective programs. The EPG data is combined with current
program data then being broadcasted, and the combined data is
transmitted. At the receiver, the EPG data is separated from the
program data and the reduced size images of the EPG data are
displayed in superposition over a program on the particular
broadcast channel which a user may select.
As an aspect of this invention, the EPG data includes text data
representing information associated with each program that is
identified by the reduced size image data. For instance, and as an
illustrative numerical example, if program data transmitted over 80
different broadcast channels may be received, the EPG image and
text data identify each program that is transmitted over each of
the 80 channels for a given period of time (e.g., for the next
hour, for the next several hours, for the next day, for the several
days, etc.). In addition to displaying the images of reduced size,
the user may select the text data for display. Such text data may
be displayed as a table representing the programs that may be
received over the different broadcast channels for the given period
of time, or the text data may represent more detailed information
concerning any single program that may be selected by the user.
As a feature of this invention, the reduced size images are single
frame images that may be specially created to identify each program
or, alternatively, that may be selected from the video frames
normally constituting the respective programs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following detailed description, given by way of example and not
intended to limit the present invention solely thereto, will best
be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a transmission system which
incorporates the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a portion of the apparatus shown in
FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 illustrates a promotion channel display derived from the
promotion channel transmitted by the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 illustrates the EPG display produced by the present
invention;
FIG. 5 illustrates the title bar shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 illustrates the reduced size images which are displayed as
EPG data in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 7 illustrates EPG image and text display;
FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of the program table display derived
from the EPG data transmitted by the present invention;
FIG. 9 illustrates a program table display for one broadcast
channel;
FIG. 10 illustrates a program content display derived from the EPG
data which is transmitted in accordance the present invention;
FIGS. 11A and 11B schematically illustrate the program table data
and the program content data which are transmitted by normal
broadcast channel transponders and by promotional channel
transponders, respectively;
FIG. 12 schematically illustrates the EPG data transmitted by the
normal broadcast channel transponders and the promotional channel
transponder;
FIG. 13 is illustrative of the EPG data;
FIG. 14 illustrates the data structure of the service description
table included in the EPG data;
FIG. 15 illustrates the data structure of the event information
table included in the EPG data;
FIG. 16 illustrates the data structure of still picture data;
FIG. 17 illustrates the data structure of the time and data table
included in the EPG data;
FIG. 18 illustrates the data structure of the program map table
included in the EPG data;
FIG. 19 illustrates the data structure of the program association
table included in the EPG data;
FIG. 20 illustrates a video receiving system which incorporates the
present invention;
FIG. 21 is a block diagram of the electrical connections shown in
FIG. 20;
FIG. 22 illustrates the receiver/decoder 2 of FIG. 20;
FIG. 23 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a receiver/decoder
in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 24 illustrates a remote control device which utilizes the
present invention;
FIG. 25 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a portion of the
remote control device shown in FIG. 24;
FIG. 26 is a schematic representation of a portion of the remote
control device shown in FIG. 24; FIG. 27 schematically represents
the manner in which EPG data is transmitted and received in
accordance with the present invention; and
FIG. 28 is a block diagram of the manner in which EPG data is
stored and retrieved at the receiver shown in FIG. 23.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OP PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are
used throughout to identify similar elements, and in particular to
FIG. 1, there is illustrated a block diagram of one embodiment of a
transmission system which incorporates the present invention. In
this embodiment, electronic program guide (EPG) data and program
data are transmitted from, for example, a suitable ground station
to a satellite from which the EPG and program data are distributed
to compatible receiving devices. Although the embodiments
illustrated herein are described in conjunction with satellite
transmission systems, such as direct video broadcast (DVB), DSS and
other satellite systems, it will be readily appreciated that the
teachings of this invention are equally applicable to the
transmission of program and EPG data via conventional over-the-air
broadcast systems (such as VHF and UHF systems), cable television
systems, and the like. For convenience, however, FIG. 1 is
illustrated and described in conjunction with satellite
transmission systems wherein a satellite is provided with a
plurality of transponders, each of which is operable to transmit
several broadcast channels of program data. For example, each
transponder may be operable to transmit ten broadcast channels
(e.g., PBS, NBC, HBO, etc.), but for convenience and
simplification, each transponder is described herein as
transmitting five broadcast channels. Also, and as will be
explained, a separate transponder, described as a promotion channel
transponder, is dedicated to the transmission of two or more
promotion channels. Again, for convenience, while the promotion
channel transponder is described as being operable to transmit only
two promotion channels, it will be readily appreciated that a
greater number of promotion channels may be transmitted
thereby.
Digital video and audio program data (V/A) provided for
transmission by each of several broadcast channels are supplied to
a switcher 301. The video and audio program data are referred to as
program data; and it will be appreciated that such program data
constitutes a television program provided by conventional
television stations, such as PBS, NBC, TBS, and the like. The
television stations with which the present invention finds ready
application are not limited solely to those television stations
which operate in the United States; and FIG. 1 illustrates several
different television stations which are located in the United
States, Japan and elsewhere. It will also be appreciated that the
program data provided by one of these broadcast channels need not
be limited to television programming; and, alternatively, such
program data may be suitable program information produced by other
types of data bases. Accordingly, it will be understood that, as
used herein, "program data" refers to television programming as
well as such other types of program information produced by other
data bases.
Switcher 301 is coupled to a program control device 308 which
controls the switcher to divide the program data supplied thereto
via respective broadcast channels into groups of broadcast
channels. Each such broadcast channel carries the aforementioned
program data which currently is being transmitted. Assuming that
the program data transmitted on a respective broadcast channel
contains video and audio data, each group of five broadcast
channels is coupled to a respective MPEG encoder 303-1, 303-2, . .
. 303-7 wherein the video and audio data are compressed in
accordance with the known MPEG standard. Program control device 308
also controls switcher 301 to couple two broadcast channels to a
promotion channel generator 302 which is described in greater
detail in connection with FIG. 2. Suffice it to say that the
promotion channel generator operates to produce promotion program
data which, as will be described, differs from the broadcast
channel program data primarily in that the promotion channel
program data consists of single frame video data used to promote
particular broadcast channels which carry television program data
that may be of special interest. The promotion channel program data
may be thought of as special advertising data that may be prepared
by special sponsors; and the transmission of such promotion program
data over the selected promotion channels is a service purchased by
such sponsors.
EPG data is generated by an EPG data generator 309 and is formed of
image data representing viewable images of reduced size (EPG 1) and
text data (EPG 2 and EPG 3, to be described). In one embodiment,
the EPG image data is separately generated and stored (not shown)
as a single frame of video data representing an image that is
typical of a respective program. For example, if the transmission
system shown in FIG. 1 is operable to transmit 80 broadcast
channels of program data and if each broadcast channel operates, on
the average, to broadcast 30 different programs in a 24 hour
period, 30.times.80=2400 frames of reduced size images are stored
as the EPG image data (EPG 1) for each 24 hour period. In the
preferred embodiment, however, switcher 301 supplies to EPG data
generator 309 a selected frame contained in each program supplied
to the switcher over the respective broadcast channels. The EPG
generator includes a Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG)
encoder 310 which is supplied with the respective video frames
selected by switcher 301 to encode those frames in accordance with
the JPEG standard thereby producing the EPG image data (EPG 1).
As will described below, the promotion program data that is
received and displayed on television receiving apparatus includes
icons which represent different categories of programs (e.g.,
movie, drama, comedy, sport, etc.), logos adopted by the different
broadcast channels and other graphic displays. The transmission of
such icons, logos and graphic displays may occupy a large amount of
the data capacity of the promotion program data. It is preferable,
then, to pre-store at each receiver (as by conventional sending and
storing techniques) the aforementioned, icons, logos and graphic
displays and then transmit, as part of the promotion program data,
access information which is used at the receiver to read out and
display the pre-stored icons, logos and graphic displays. Such
access data may be, for example, bit-map data; and as illustrated
in FIG. 1, such access data is generated by EPG data generator 309
and supplied to promotion channel generator 302 whereat it is
combined with the program data of the two broadcast channels
selected as promotion channels by switcher 301.
Each MPEG encoder 303-1 . . . 303-7 compresses the video and audio
data included in the program data supplied thereto by the
respective group of five broadcast channels. The compressed program
data produced by MPEG encoder 303-1 is coupled to a multiplexer
304-2; the compressed program data produced by MPEG encoder 303-2
is coupled to a multiplexer 304-3, and so on, whereby the
compressed program data produced by MPEG encoder 303-7 is coupled
to a multiplexer 304-8. It is seen, then, that each multiplexer
304-2 . . . 304-8 is supplied with five broadcast channels of
compressed program data. An additional multiplexer 304-1 is coupled
to promotion channel generator 302 to receive the promotion program
data derived from the two broadcast channels selected by switcher
301 as well as the bit-map data generated by EPG data generator
309, as will be described in greater detail in connection with FIG.
2.
EPG image data (EPG 1) is supplied from EPG data generator 309 to
each of multiplexers 304-1 . . . 304-8 and EPG text data (EPG 2)
also is supplied from the EPG data generator to each of these
multiplexers. The EPG image data (EPG 1) is comprised a single
frame of video data, processed to be of reduced size, and is
referred to herein as still picture data; and the EPG text data
(EPG 2) is referred to herein as program guide text data. The
program guide text data (EPG 2) is associated with, for example, 80
broadcast channels and includes information, such as channel
identification, program title, broadcast time and date and other
descriptive material, relating to the program which is to be
transmitted. This program guide text data (EPG 2) is associated
with programs to be transmitted over a predetermined time duration,
such as programs that currently are being transmitted as well as
programs that will be transmitted over the next 24 hours. EPG data
generator 309 is operable to generate additional program guide text
data (EPG 3) which is similar to EPG 2 but relates to programs that
will be transmitted for an additional period of time, for example,
programs that will be transmitted for an additional 126 hours.
FIGS. 11A and 11B, which will be described below, schematically
illustrate the relationship between the program guide text data EPG
2 and EPG 3. In the preferred embodiment described herein, program
guide text data (EPG 3) is supplied to multiplexer 304-1 for
transmission with the promotion program data. As mentioned above,
the promotion program data may be thought of as being transmitted
over the promotion channel and serves the function of promoting
particular programs transmitted on one or more of the broadcast
channels.
Each of multiplexers 304-1 . . . 304-8 operates to multiplex the
EPG and program data supplied thereto to produce a data output
channel. The respective data output channel, comprised of
multiplexed EPG1, EPG2 and compressed program data (the data output
channel from multiplexer 304-1 also includes EPG 3) is coupled to a
digital modulator 305-1 . . . 305-8 which performs digital
modulation on the multiplexed EPG and program data produced by each
of the respective multiplexers. For example, each digital modulator
may perform quadraphase shift keying (QPSK), EFM, or other
conventional digital modulation. The resulting digital modulated
data output channels produced by the digital modulators are
transmitted to respective transponders located on a satellite by
means of a synthesizer 306 and a ground-to-satellite antenna 307.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the digital modulators and
synthesizer transmit the data output channels from multiplexers
304-1 . . . 304-8 respectively, to a corresponding one of 8
transponders. The transponders to which the modulated data output
channels from multiplexers 304-2 . . . 304-8 are supplied are
referred to as normal broadcast transponders 2, 3, . . . 8 and the
transponder to which the modulated data output channel from
multiplexer 304-1 is supplied is referred to as the promotion
channel transponder, also known as the "guide" transponder. These
transponders are used to transmit the promotion channels and the
broadcast channels to receiving devices that are furnished with
compatible satellite dish antennas.
It is seen, then, that if the EPG data represents programs
broadcasted on 80 broadcast channels, each of the data output
channels from multiplexers 304-1, . . . 304-8 contains the same EPG
data. As mentioned above, in the embodiment described herein, the
data output channel from multiplexer 304-1 contains additional EPG
data namely EPG 3.
Promotion channel generator 302 is illustrated in greater detail in
FIG. 2. Two single frame generators 332-1 and 332-2 are coupled to
switcher 301 to receive therefrom the video and audio data
transmitted over the two broadcast channels selected as the
promotion channels by the switcher. As an example, the promotion
channels need not necessarily be network television channels
normally used to broadcast network television programming. Rather,
the promotion channels may be separate, dedicated channels made
available to sponsors such as other commercial television networks
for the purpose of broadcasting to consumers information relating
to sponsored programs. Each of the single frame generators
processes the video data supplied on the broadcast channel selected
as the promotion channel to generate single video frames. For
example, the same video frame may be transmitted for a given time
interval, such as for a second, for a minute or for several
minutes.
The output from single frame generator 332-1 is referred to as
single-frame data and is supplied to a superimposer 333-1. The
audio data associated with the broadcast channel that has been
selected by switcher 301 as the promotion channel is coupled from
single frame generator 332-1 to an encoder 334-1 which, as
illustrated in FIG. 2, is identified as an MPEG video/audio
encoder. In a similar manner, the single-frame data produced by
single frame generator 332-2 is supplied to a superimposer 333-2;
and the audio data contained in the broadcast channel which has
been selected by switcher 301 as the promotion channel is coupled
from single frame generator 332-2 to an MPEG video/audio encoder
334-2. Superimposers 333-1 and 333-2 also are supplied with the
aforementioned access data generated by EPG data generator 309 and
referred to heretofore as bit-map data. This access data is
combined with the single-frame data by the superimposer; and the
combined data is coupled to a respective one of the MPEG
video/audio encoders.
Each MPEG video/audio encoder operates to compress the single-frame
video data, the superimposed access data and the audio data
supplied thereto. The resultant compressed promotion channel
program data from encoders 334-1 and 334-2 are multiplexed together
by a multiplexer 335 and supplied as promotion channel program data
to multiplexer 304-1 of FIG. 1.
A display of the promotion program data processed by single frame
generator 332-1, superimposer 333-1 and MPEG video/audio encoder
334-1 is illustrated in FIG. 3. It will be seen that text data
produced by EPG data generator 309, as well as a logo display, are
superimposed onto the single frame of video data produced by single
frame generator 332-1. Here, the text data reads: "promotion
channel", "NHK channel 1", "program presentation". Thus, the text
data provides the promotional information which, in this instance
is sponsored by the NHK television broadcast network of Japan. It
will be understood that the single frame video display is itself an
advertisement which may be paid for by a sponsor.
The NHK logo shown in FIG. 3 may, in one embodiment be generated by
EPG data generator 309 (FIG. 1) or may be stored at the receiving
device (to be described) and accessed from storage by the
transmission of suitable access data (such as bit-map data)
generated by the EPG data generator and transmitted over the
promotion broadcast channel.
To best appreciate the electronic program guide which is
transmitted, received and displayed in accordance with the present
invention, reference is made to FIGS. 4-10 which illustrate the
respective displays that are selectively produced from the EPG data
transmitted by the apparatus shown in FIG. 1. As will be described,
it is preferred that the transmitted EPG data not be displayed
automatically. Rather, such EPG data is stored at the receiver
(FIG. 23) and selectively retrieved from storage by the user's
operation of a suitable remote control device of the type shown in
FIG. 24. Hence, when the EPG display is not selected, the receiving
apparatus, and more particularly the television monitor displays
whatever program currently is being transmitted over the broadcast
channel and that has been selected by the user. When the user
wishes to exploit the EPG data that has been transmitted to and
stored at his receiver, he selects an EPG display mode (as will be
described), resulting in the display of several images of reduced,
less than normal size, superimposed over the program which then is
being received over the broadcast channel to which the receiver is
tuned. FIG. 4 illustrates the superposition of, for example, five
reduced size images, also referred to as still picture images or
EPG images, displayed in what is referred to as a program window,
superimposed over the "normal size" display of the program which
then is being received. Each still picture image is reproduced from
image data EPG 1 produced by EPG data generator 309, as
aforedescribed. For ease of understanding a category icon is
superimposed on each respective still picture image, thereby
enabling the user to identify quickly the type of program that is
identified by that still picture image. These category icons may be
generated by EPG data generator 309 and included as the still
picture data EPG 1 or, alternatively, the category icons may be
stored at the user's receiver and accessed therefrom by suitable
access data, such as bit-map data, included with the still picture
data EPG 1 generated by the EPG data generator.
As mentioned above, in the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the EPG image data EPG 1 represents all of the programs
which currently are being transmitted on the broadcast channels
(for example, all of the programs currently being transmitted on
the 80 broadcast channels) and may also represent those programs
which will be transmitted over a given period of time (for example,
over the next 1, 4 or 24 hours) on the broadcast channels. Such EPG
image data is stored at the receiver and selectively retrieved and
displayed by the user in response to his operation of the remote
control device. Thus, the user may display and scroll through
various still pictures, thereby discerning those programs which he
may wish to view. A cursor is displayed adjacent or, alternatively,
superimposed over the still pictures, this cursor being
positionable at or over a desired still picture, as selected by the
user, for the purpose of displaying EPG text data associated with
the program identified by that still picture or, in accordance with
one embodiment, to tune the user's receiver to the broadcast
channel over which the program identified by that still picture is
transmitted.
In addition to the program window superimposed over the program
display, as shown in FIG. 4, the EPG display mode preferably
displays information in a "title bar" that also is superimposed on
the program display. In one embodiment, the title bar displays text
data that is associated with the displayed program, such as the
broadcast channel over which the program is transmitted, the title
of that program and, optionally, an icon representing the category
of that program. As the user tunes his receiver to a different
broadcast channel, the information displayed in the title bar
changes in a similar manner to display the broadcast channel, title
of the program and category of that program to which the receiver
now is tuned. It will be appreciated that the information displayed
in the title bar is included in the program data supplied to and
encoded by the MPEG encoders 303-1 . . . 303-7 of FIG. 1.
Alternatively, the information displayed in the title bar shown in
FIG. 4 may be associated with the program identified by the still
picture that has been selected by the cursor. That is, depending
upon the particular still picture to which the user places the
cursor, the title bar displays the title of the program identified
by that still picture, the broadcast channel over which that
program is transmitted and the category of that program.
FIG. 5 illustrates the title bar shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6
illustrates the program window which contains the EPG images also
shown in FIG. 4.
The EPG text data associated with the program identified by a
selected still picture may be selectively displayed by appropriate
user-operation of the remote control device. As mentioned above,
the EPG image data as well as the EPG text data are stored at the
receiver. It is expected the user will position the cursor on or
adjacent a desired still picture and then operate a suitable
selector button on his remote control device to retrieve and
display the EPG text data as shown in FIG. 7. Preferably, this
display constitutes a full screen display, although the information
shown in FIG. 7 may be displayed in a suitable "window" on the
display screen. It is seen that the display includes the still
picture image represented by EPG image data EPG 1 as well as text
data represented by EPG text data EPG 2. In the example shown in
FIG. 7, this EPG text data includes the date and time of broadcast
of the program identified by the still picture, the broadcast
channel over which this program is transmitted, the cast and also a
synopsis of that program. The cast and synopsis may be thought of
as detailed program information referred to as program content
data. The title, date and time of the program to be transmitted are
referred to as brief program information and are included in
program table data to be described. FIG. 7 also illustrates the
title bar discussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 4 and 5.
The EPG text data EPG 2 and EPG 3 normally are stored at the user's
receiver and, depending upon the display mode selected by the user,
such EPG text data may be displayed in the form of a table to
display the programs that will be transmitted over the broadcast
channels for a given time period, such as shown in FIG. 8, or may
be displayed as a program table representing the programs that will
be transmitted over a particular broadcast channel, such as shown
in FIG. 9, or as a detailed program display associated with a
particular program selected by the user, such as shown in FIG. 10.
In each of these figures, the EPG text date is superimposed over
the aforedescribed promotion channel display. Nevertheless, it will
be appreciated that the EPG text data shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10
may be superimposed over a program then being received by one of
the other broadcast channels, or the display may be a full screen
display with no background images.
The program table shown in FIG. 8 displays the titles of those
programs which are transmitted by respective broadcast channels for
particular periods of time. It is expected that the displayed table
will list less than all of the eighty broadcast channels (which has
been used as the illustrative example), and the user may scroll
through additional, similar display screens to display the
television programs to be transmitted over the additional broadcast
channels. Likewise, the program table display of FIG. 8 depicts
those programs which are transmitted over a three hour duration;
and since the EPG text data includes EPG data associated with many
more hours of programming, the user may scroll through additional
display screens to display those programs which will be transmitted
at later times.
The program table display of FIG. 9 is similar to that of FIG. 8,
except that the FIG. 9 display is limited to those programs which
are transmitted over a particular single broadcast channel. The
table of FIG. 9 may illustrate those programs which are to be
transmitted over, for example, a five hour duration; and the user
may scroll through additional display screens in order to display
the additional programs to be transmitted at later times over this
broadcast channel. Whereas FIGS. 8 and 9 depict program tables
which display what may be thought of as brief program information
(e.g. time of transmission, program title and broadcast channel),
FIG. 10 illustrates a display of more detailed information,
referred to herein as program content data. This information is
included in the EPG text data EPG 2 (and EPG 3) produced by EPG
data generator 309 of FIG. 1; and preferably is updated
periodically, such as every 15 minutes. This detailed program
information includes, for example, a description or synopsis of a
particular program, its cast, its date of production, and other
information that may be of use to the user. Such information may be
retrieved from the EPG text data stored at the receiver by suitable
operation of the remote control device. For example, the cursor may
be used to select a particular still picture that is displayed, and
then an information button on the remote control device may be
operated to read out the display shown in FIG. 10 which is
associated with the program identified by that still picture.
Alternatively, a cursor may be used to select a particular program
that is displayed in the program table of FIG. 8 or the program
table of FIG. 9, thereby retrieving the text data shown in FIG. 10
which is associated with the selected program.
It will be recognized that the EPG text data needed to display the
program table shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 9, the detailed program
information shown in FIG. 10 and the information screen shown in
FIG. 7 occupies much of the available transmission capacity of the
data output channels produced by multiplexers 304-1 . . . 304-8 of
FIG. 1. If each data output channel includes all of the EPG data
needed to transmit the still EPG images and all of the EPG text
data, the remaining data capacity of these data output channels may
not be sufficient for adequate transmission of the video and audio
data. To obviate this disadvantage, it is preferred to transmit a
lesser amount of EPG data with the "normal" broadcast channels than
with the promotion broadcast channels. That is, and with reference
to FIG. 1, it is preferred to transmit a lesser amount of EPG data
on the data output channels of multiplexers 304-2 . . . 304-8 than
on the data output channel from the multiplexer 304-1. This is
attained by supplying EPG data EPG 1 and EPG 2 to multiplexers
304-2 . . . 304-8 and to supply EPG data EPG 1, EPG 2 and EPG 3 to
multiplexers 304-1. The difference between the EPG data represented
by EPG 2 and EPG 3 is schematically represented in FIGS. 11A and
11B.
FIG. 11A schematically illustrates the EPG data that is supplied to
and transmitted by the "normal" transponders, namely those
transponders which are used to transmit the normal broadcast
channels received on the data output channels from multiplexers
304-2 . . . 304-8. FIG. 11B schematically represents the EPG data
that is supplied to and transmitted by the transponder assigned to
transmit the promotion broadcast channels, this transponder being
referred to hereinabove as the "guide" transponder, and received on
the data output channel from multiplexer 304-1. The EPG text data
EPG 2 supplied to a normal transponder includes program table data
(referred to as "brief program information") and program content
data (referred to as "detailed program information"). It is assumed
that the program table and program content data are associated with
programs that are transmitted over, for example, 80 broadcast
channels. Since the amount of data needed to represent the program
table for a given channel is less than the amount of data needed to
represent the program content for that channel, the program table
data may represent program information for the 80 channels which
are transmitted over a greater period of time and the program
content data may represent program information for the 80 channels
which are transmitted over and shorter period of time. For example,
the program table data EPG 2 of the type shown in FIG. 8 may
represent the programs transmitted over the 80 broadcast channels
for a twenty-four (24) hour period, whereas the program content
data EPG 2, shown in FIG. 10, may represent the programs
transmitted over these 80 channels for a shorter period of time,
such as four (4) hours. In one embodiment, the EPG image data EPG 1
represents the programs that will be transmitted over these 80
channels for the next one hour period; and in another embodiment,
the EPG image data represents the programs that will be transmitted
over, for example, a 24 hour period.
A greater amount of EPG data is transmitted by the guide
transponder, as depicted in FIG. 11B. Although the guide
transponder may transmit normal programming in addition to
promotion programs, the amount of normal programming transmitted by
the guide transponder is less than that transmitted by the normal
transponder, thus increasing the available data capacity for
transmission of the EPG data. Thus, the guide transponder may
transmit program table data EPG 2 for 80 broadcast channels over a
24 hour period, and the guide transponder also may transmit program
table data EPG 3 representing the programs transmitted by those 80
broadcast channels over the succeeding 126 hours. The guide
transponder thus may transmit still picture data EPG 1, program
table data EPG 2 and program table data EPG 3 representing the
programs transmitted over 80 broadcast channels for a 150 hour
period. It is appreciated that this large quantity of EPG data may
be used by the consumer to properly plan and select programs for
viewing over a relatively long term (for example, over a 5-day
period).
FIG. 11B also illustrates the program content data (for example,
the data which is displayed in FIG. 10) that may be transmitted by
the guide transponder for 80 broadcast channels. In the example
illustrated, the guide transponder transmits program content data
EPG 2 associated with the programs transmitted by 80 broadcast
channels over the next 4 hours; and the guide transponder also
transmits the program content data EPG 3 associated with the
programs transmitted over these broadcast channels for the
next-following 66 hours. It will be seen, then, that by receiving
the EPG data from the normal and guide transponders, a sufficient
quantity of EPG data may be stored at the receiver to permit the
user to display EPG still pictures, brief program information as
well as detailed program information relating to those programs
currently being transmitted and those programs which will be
transmitted over the next few days. It also will be recognized that
the program content data is associated with those programs that
will be transmitted during a fraction of the time interval that is
represented by the program table data. Whereas the program table
data transmitted by the normal transponder is associated with
programs that will be transmitted over a 24 hour period, the
program content data transmitted by the normal transponder is
associated with programs that will be transmitted over only a 4
hour period. Likewise, whereas the program table data that is
transmitted by the guide transponder relates to programs that will
be transmitted over a 150 hour period, the program content data
that is transmitted by the guide transponder is associated with
programs that will be transmitted over a 70 hour period.
FIG. 12 schematically represents the EPG data that is transmitted
by the guide transponder, identified as transponder 1, and the
normal transponders, identified as transponder 2 . . . transponder
8. The guide transponder is supplied with and transmits program
table data associated with programs transmitted over a 150 hour
period and with program content data associated with those same
programs, but transmitted over a 70 hour period. The guide
transponder also is supplied with the EPG still image data and also
with the program data of the promotion broadcast channels, namely
the single frame data discussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 1
and 2. Each of the normal transponders is supplied with program
table data associated with programs that will be transmitted over a
24 hour period and with program content data associated with those
same programs but transmitted over a 4 hour period. Each normal
transponder also is supplied with the EPG image data and with the
program data transmitted over several broadcast channels. In the
example discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1, it has been assumed
that each of the normal transponders operates to transmit 5
broadcast channels; but in a practical embodiment, it is expected
that each normal transponder is operable to transmit up to 10 or
more broadcast channels. Likewise, in a practical implementation,
the guide transponder need not be limited solely to the
transmission of promotion programs (together with, of course, EPG
data), but may be used to transmit regular broadcast channels as
well, such as 2 promotion channels and 8 broadcast channels. It
will be recognized that the present invention should not be limited
solely to the examples described above; and this invention is
readily applicable with any practical number of broadcast and
promotion channels.
Although forming no part of the present invention per se, one
construction of the EPG data that may be produced by EPG data
generator 309 now will be described.
The EPG data, as well as other types of accessory data, is
transmitted in a Direct Video Broadcast (DVB) System as service
information (SI). The data used to produce and display an
electronic program table is shown in FIG. 13. A Service Description
Table (SDT) includes service provider data which identifies the
provider of the transmission service (e.g. the broadcast channel),
the service name and the service type. For example, the service
type may indicate whether the type of service is single frame
service (promotion.sub.-- service). The title of a program to be
transmitted is defined as the event.sub.-- name in the Short Event
Descriptor of an Event Information Table (EIT) and may include up
to 60 bytes. The subtitle (type) is represented as the Component
Descriptor of the EIT. The current date and time is defined as
UTC.sub.-- time in the Time and Date Table (TDT), whereas the
program start time is represented as start.sub.-- time of the EIT
and the program duration is established by the end.sub.-- time of
the EIT. A rating code representative of, for example, violence,
profanity and nudity of the program, is included in the Parental
Rating Descriptor of the EIT. The video mode is represented as a
Component Descriptor of the EIT. The provide language (e.g. the
language in which the program is provided) is represented in the
ISO639 Language Descriptor of a Program Map Table (PMT). The sound
mode is represented in the Component Descriptor of the EIT. The
category of the program is set out in the Content Descriptor of the
EIT.
The brief explanation of the program, such as the cast (see FIG.
7), the overall program data (see the program table of FIG. 8) and
the channel program table (see FIG. 9) are represented as the
64-byte data referred to as the Short Event Descriptor of the EIT.
The detailed program explanation, such as the synopsis (or content
explanation) shown in FIG. 7 and the detailed program explanation
shown in FIG. 10 are represented as the 256-byte data referred to
as the Extended Event Descriptor of the EIT. Promotion information,
such as the information shown in FIG. 3, including the item name
("Promotion Channel 1, NHK"), the item content ("Program
Introduction"), and the station logo, are represented as the
Promotion Descriptor of the SDT.
FIG. 14 illustrates the data structure of the SDT (Service
Descriptor Table). The SDT includes data representing the services
included in the system, such as the service name, the service
provider, etc. The number in parentheses in FIG. 14 represents the
number of bytes used to represent the information identified
thereby. The leading 10 bytes are used as a header that is formed
of common structure 1(3), transport stream identification
(transport stream.sub.-- id (2)), common structure 2(3), and
original network identification (original.sub.-- network.sub.--
id(2)). The transport stream ID may be thought of as a label for
distinguishing the transport stream from the SDT from other
transport streams multiplexed in the same delivery system. The
original network ID may be thought of as a label for identifying
the network which serves as the source of the delivery system.
Following the header are service descriptors loop [0] to service
descriptors loop [N] and, finally, error-correcting code CRC.sub.--
32(4). Each service descriptors loop includes service.sub.-- id(2),
six reserved bits, EIT.sub.-- schedule.sub.-- flag, EIT
present/following.sub.-- flag, running.sub.-- status, and
free.sub.-- CA.sub.-- mode. The service.sub.-- id serves as a label
for distinguishing the service in this descriptor from the other
services in the same transport stream. The service.sub.-- id
performs the same function as the program number (program.sub.--
number) in the corresponding program map table (PMT)
(program.sub.-- map.sub.-- section) of FIG. 18. The EIT.sub.--
schedule.sub.-- flag indicates the presence or the absence of the
EIT.sub.-- schedule information in the EIT transport stream. The
EIT.sub.-- present/following.sub.-- flag represents the presence or
the absence of the EIT.sub.-- present/following information in the
EIT transport stream. The running status designates the status of
the service (or program), such as whether the service (or broadcast
channel) has or has not yet started, is beginning to start in a few
minutes (this is useful for setting up a VCR for recording), has
already started, or is currently suspended. The free.sub.--
CA.sub.-- mode indicates whether the service or broadcast channel
can be accessed free of charge or is controlled by a conditional
access system (such as pay per view, premium subscriber, etc.).
Following the free.sub.-- CA.sub.-- mode bit is the
descriptor.sub.-- loop.sub.-- length to identify the overall byte
length of subsequent descriptors. The adjacent service.sub.--
descriptor[i] supplies the name of the service.sub.-- provider and
the name of the service in text format, as well as the
service.sub.-- type. The next following country.sub.--
availability.sub.-- descriptor[i] represents a list of the
countries that can access the service and a list of the countries
that cannot. The subsequent descriptors include the promotion
description.
FIG. 15 illustrates the data structure of the Event Information
Table (EIT). The leading 10 bytes are used for the header that is
formed of the common structure 1(3), service.sub.-- id(2), the
common structure 2(3), and the transport stream identification
transport.sub.-- stream.sub.-- id(2). Following the header is the
original.sub.-- network.sub.-- id(2) and a last.sub.-- table.sub.--
id(1). The last.sub.-- table.sub.-- id(1) identifies the final (or
maximum) table.sub.-- id. If only a single table is used, the
table.sub.-- id is set. If table.sub.-- id assumes consecutive
values, this information is stored in chronological order. There
follow event descriptors loop[0] to event descriptors loop[N] and
finally, CRC.sub.-- 32(4).
Each event descriptors loop includes event.sub.-- id(2) to provide
the identification number of the event (or program) that is
described, and start.sub.-- time (5) for displaying the start time
of the event in Universal Time Coordinates (UTC) and Modified
Julian Day Coordinates (MJD). In this start time field, 16 least
significant bits (LSB) of the MJD-displayed data are provided, and
six digits represented by four-bit binary-coded decimal (BCD)
symbols, or 24 bits. For example, 93/10/12 12:45:00 can be coded as
OXCO78124500. Following the start time data is the duration (3)
which represents the duration of the event (program) in hours,
minutes and seconds. Thereafter are the running.sub.-- status,
free.sub.-- CA.sub.-- mode, and descriptor.sub.-- loop.sub.--
length (1.5). Then, Short.sub.-- event.sub.--
descriptor[i](7+.alpha.) is provided to identify the event name and
provide a short description of the event such as in the form of the
program table. Then follows Extended.sub.-- event.sub.--
descriptor[i](11+.alpha.) to provide a more detailed description of
the event (such as in the format of the program content shown in
FIG. 10) than the description provided by the Short event
descriptor.
Thereafter are audio.sub.-- component.sub.-- descriptor[i](6),
video.sub.-- component.sub.-- descriptor[i](3), and subtitle.sub.--
component.sub.-- descriptor[i](6). The subsequent
CA-identifier.sub.-- descriptor[i](4) indicates whether the event
is scrambled, whether reception is restricted, such as whether a
charge is required for reception, and so on. Finally, other
descriptors, such as event.sub.-- still.sub.-- image.sub.--
descriptor[i] representing the data of the program window
(still-picture data) shown in FIG. 6, are provided.
FIG. 16 illustrates the structure of the event.sub.-- still.sub.--
image.sub.-- descriptor[i] (still-picture format). As shown in FIG.
16, an 8-bit descriptor-tag is disposed as leading data to
represent that the information which follows is still-picture data.
Then, 8-bit descriptor-length indicates the overall format length;
and 8-bit descriptor-number and 8-bit last-descriptor-number
designate the number of the descriptor and the last (maximum)
descriptor, respectively. Finally, image.sub.-- structure
representing substantial image data of the still picture is
positioned. This image.sub.-- structure is formed of an 8-bit
format.sub.-- identifier, a 32-bit image.sub.-- size indicator and
the image.sub.-- data itself. The format.sub.-- identifier
represents the ID of the image.sub.-- data. When the format.sub.--
identifier is 0.times.10, the image.sub.-- data is identified as
black-and-white binary image data. If the format.sub.-- identifier
is 0.times.11, the image.sub.-- data is identified as
black-and-white 256-step image data. If the format.sub.--
identifier is 0.times.12, the image.sub.-- data is identified as
RGB image data, with each color being formed of 8 bits. When the
format.sub.-- identifier is 0.times.20, the image.sub.-- data is
identified as having been compressed by the JPEG technique. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the reduced-size still image frame
forming the program window is compressed by the JPEG technique, and
the format.sub.-- identifier is 0.times.20. When the image.sub.--
data is binary black-and-white image data, the number of bits
included therein may not be an integral multiple of 8 bits, in
which case, "dummy data" is stuffed into the image.sub.-- data
field to "fill in" this field.
FIG. 17 illustrates the structure of the Time Data Table (TDT). The
TDT is formed of the common structure 1(3) and the UTC.sub.--
time(5). In addition to the above-described tables, the Service
Information (SI) includes the Program Map Table (PMT) shown in FIG.
18 and the Program Association Table (PAT) illustrated in FIG.
19.
The PMT includes, as shown in FIG. 18, the common structure 1(3),
the transport.sub.-- stream.sub.-- id(2), the common structure
2(3), and program.sub.-- map.sub.-- id.sub.-- loop[0](4) to
program.sub.-- map.sub.-- id.sub.-- loop[N](4). Finally CRC.sub.--
32(4) is provided. Each program.sub.-- map.sub.-- id.sub.--
loop[i](4) is formed of program.sub.-- number[i](2) and
program.sub.-- map.sub.-- PID[i](2) (or network PID) wherein PID
represents packet id. The program.sub.-- number represents the
program used to implement the corresponding program.sub.--
map.sub.-- PID. For example, when the program number is set to
0.times.0000, the PID in the next-following program.sub.--
map.sub.-- PID acts as network.sub.-- PID. The values of the
program.sub.-- number other than 0.times.0000 are defined by the
user. In this program.sub.-- number field, the same value cannot be
taken in the Program Association Table (PAT). For example, if the
program.sub.-- number is used for specifying the broadcast channel,
the network.sub.-- PID defines the PID of a transport stream packet
including the Network Information Table (NIT). Although the value
of the network.sub.-- PID (as well as the value of the
program.sub.-- map.sub.-- PID) can be defined by the user, the user
cannot assign a value reserved for another use. The presence of the
network.sub.-- PID is optional. The program.sub.-- map.sub.-- PID
specifies the PID of a transport stream packet containing the
effective PMT for the program defined by the program.sub.-- number.
Two or more program.sub.-- map.sub.-- PIDs cannot be allocated to
the program.sub.-- number.
In the PAT illustrated in FIG. 19, the 10-byte header is formed of
the common structure 1(3), a program.sub.-- number(2), the common
structure 2(3), and PCR.sub.-- PID(1.375). The PCR.sub.-- PID
indicates the PID of the transport stream packet that includes the
program clock reference (PCR) field effective for the program
defined by the program-number. If there is no PCR related to the
defined program with respect to a private stream, this field
assumes the value of 0.times.1FFF. There follows program.sub.--
info.sub.-- length(1.5) to specify the byte number of the following
descriptor, and then the program info descriptors, including
CA.sub.-- descriptor, Copyright.sub.-- descriptor, Max.sub.--
bitrate.sub.-- descriptor, etc. Thereafter are stream type
loop[0](5+.alpha.) to stream type loop[N](5+.alpha.), and
CRC.sub.-- 32(4). Each stream type loop includes stream.sub.--
type(1) and elementary PID(2). The stream.sub.-- type defines the
type of payload or indicates that the elementary stream transmitted
in a packet has the PID specified by the elementary.sub.-- PID. The
value of the stream.sub.-- type is defined by the MPEG2 technique.
The elementary.sub.-- stream.sub.-- PID specifies the PID of the
related elementary stream and the PID of the transport stream
packet which transmits this data. Following the elementary.sub.--
PID are 12-bit ES.sub.-- info.sub.-- length (1.5): the first two
bits of which are 00, and after these bits the byte number of the
descriptor of the following related elementary stream. Then follows
ES info descriptors[N] which include CA.sub.-- descriptors and
other descriptors.
One representation of receiving apparatus which incorporates the
present convention is illustrated in FIG. 20. Here, the receiving
apparatus is referred to generically as audio/video equipment 1
which comprises a receiver/decoder 2 coupled to a suitable antenna
3 for receiving and decoding the multiplexed program and EPG data
transmitted by the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and for supplying the
decoded program and EPG data to a monitor 4 for display. Antenna 3
may comprise a DSS dish receiver, a communications satellite
antenna or other suitable antenna equipment adapted to receive the
program and EPG data. Receiver/decoder 2 is described in greater
detail below and is responsive to infra-red (IR) signals
transmitted thereto from a suitable IR module 51 included in a
remote control device 5. The functions commanded by the remote
control device are described in greater detail below; and FIG. 24
is a clear representation of one embodiment of the remote control
device. It will be appreciated that remote control device 5 is
operable to select broadcast channels, adjust the audio volume and
utilize the EPG data, as discussed above.
Receiver/decoder 2 is coupled to a monitor 4 by suitable connecting
leads 11 and 12. In the preferred embodiment, connecting lead 11
supplies video and audio information to the monitor and connecting
lead 12 supplies control signals thereto. For example, connecting
lead 11 may include two or three separate lines, one for RF video,
one for left-channel audio, and one for right-channel audio
signals. Connecting lead 12 may supply suitable commands to the
monitor such as audio volume control, picture characteristic
control, power on/off control, and the like. It will be understood
that monitor 4 may comprise a conventional television receiver
connected to the receiver/decoder in much the same way as
conventional television receivers are connected to cable set-top
boxes. Alternatively, monitor 4 may comprise a multimedia monitor
known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
FIG. 21 is a schematic representation of the electrical connections
between receiver/decoder 2, antenna 3 and monitor 4. For
completeness, FIG. 21 also depicts remote control device 5. Antenna
3 is coupled to receiver/decoder 2 by a low noise block (LNB)
downconverter 3a which, as is known, converts a
satellite-transmitted signal to a signal of suitable frequency
compatible with consumer video devices, such as receiver/decoder 2.
The receiver/decoder supplies to monitor 4 audio and video signals
via connection 11, as mentioned above and as will be described
below in conjunction with FIG. 23.
Control signals also are transmitted between the receiver/decoder
and the monitor, such as between control sections 2A and 4A,
provided on these respective devices.
FIG. 22 illustrates one embodiment of receiver/decoder 2, which
includes a power on/off button 111 disposed on a front panel 40
thereof. A suitable power indicator 112, such as an LED, displays
whether power is supplied to the receiver/decoder. Additional LEDs
113 and 114 also are provided, to indicate whether the
receiver/decoder is operable to receive broadcast channels
transmitted via satellite, such as by DSS transmission, or via
conventional over-the-air (or cable) transmission. A TV/DSS
changeover button 123 selects the TV or DSS mode of operation.
Satellite communication provides substantial flexibility and the
ability for a service provider to transmit individual messages to
the consumer. For example, a message relating to subscription
charges, bill payment, and the like, may be transmitted, and an
indication of receipt of such a message is provided by a message
LED 114. This LED is reset when the consumer retrieves and displays
the message on, for example, monitor 4.
Receiver/decoder 2 is provided with a menu switch 121 which, when
operated, displays a menu on the display screen of monitor 4. This
display is cleared in response to the operation by the user of an
exit button 122.
Cursor positioning buttons 117-120 are user-operated to move a
cursor display, such as shown in FIG. 4, on the display screen. The
cursor thus may be moved to a desired EPG still image or to a
particular location on the displayed program table (FIG. 8). A
select button 116 may be operated by the user to select a
particular program identified by the position of the cursor. In a
preferred application of this invention, the operation of select
button 116 sets the receiver/decoder to the particular broadcast
channel at the particular time identified by the EPG data that has
been selected by the cursor. For example, and as described above,
receiver/decoder 2 is tuned to the broadcast channel which carries
the program identified by the EPG still image at which the cursor
is positioned.
A block diagram of one embodiment of receiver/decoder 2 which
incorporates the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 23. The
receiver/decoder is provided with a front end 20, a CPU 29, a
demultiplexer 24, a data buffer memory 35 and MPEG decoders 25 and
26. Front end 20 is coupled to antenna 3 by way of LNB
downconverter 3a to receive the several broadcast and promotion
channels that are received by the antenna. The front end includes a
tuner 21 operable to be tuned to a particular broadcast or
promotion channel in order to receive the data transmitted over
that channel. The output of tuner 21 is coupled to a quadraphase
shift key (QPSK) demodulator 22 which recovers the program and EPG
data transmitted over the broadcast channel to which tuner 21 is
tuned. The demodulated digital data then is subjected to error
correction by error correcting circuit 23, whereupon the recovered
program and EPG data are supplied to demultiplexer 24.
CPU 29 is coupled to tuner 21, QPSK demodulator 22, error
correcting circuit 23 and demultiplexer 24 to control the
individual operations of such circuits. For example, the CPU
controls the tuning operation of tuner 21 in a manner
conventionally used to control video and audio tuners. The CPU also
is coupled to control section 2A to control the various control
signals transmitted from receiver/decoder 2 to monitor 4 and,
likewise, to detect, decode and interpret control signals that are
returned to the receiver/decoder from the monitor. Front panel 40
is coupled to the CPU, whereby the CPU detects when power on/off
button 111 is operated. Also, an IR receiving section 39 is coupled
to CPU 29 to supply to the CPU various commands that are generated
by remote control device 5 and supplied as IR signals to the
receiver/decoder.
As mentioned above, one or more of the broadcast channels may carry
pay-per-view programs, special programs referred to as "premium"
programs and other programs requiring preestablished subscription,
clearance or acceptance. The program data transmitted over such
broadcast channels is scrambled and encrypted, thereby providing
security against the unauthorized decoding and display of such
programs. Demultiplexer 24 preferably includes decrypting circuitry
requiring the presence of a decrypting key and decrypting software
in order to decode such encrypted programs. An interface 32 is
coupled to demultiplexer 24 and includes suitable circuitry which,
for example, may be mounted on an IC card having a CPU, ROM, RAM
and other conventional digital circuits typically used to decipher
encrypted digital data. A conditional access module (CAM) 33 may
include some or all of the aforementioned digital circuits, thereby
providing the demultiplexer with the deciphering key needed to
decrypt the received programs. CAM 33 also stores payment
information and other data relevant to the user's account with the
service provider to prevent unauthorized access to and use of the
decrypting software and deciphering key.
Demultiplexer 24 supplies to data buffer memory 35 the decrypted
program and EPG data received from front end 20. The buffer memory
may be comprised of a DRAM and may include an EPG area 35A in which
the EPG data is especially stored. As will be described below, the
EPG area stores EPG image and text data which are selectively
retrieved and displayed as, for example, the still image data shown
in FIG. 4, the still image and text data shown in FIG. 7, the
program tables shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 or the detailed program
information shown in FIG. 10.
Although buffer memory 35 is shown as a DRAM, it will be
appreciated that the program and EPG data may be stored in a static
random access memory (SRAM), if desired. The buffer memory also
stores the audio data that is recovered from the broadcast channel
by front end 20.
Demultiplexer 24 is controlled by CPU 29 to read from buffer memory
35 the video and audio program data that had been received by front
end 20 and separated by the demultiplexer. It is recalled that the
video and audio data which are received by receiver/decoder 2 are
in compressed form; and demultiplexer 24 reads the compressed video
data from the buffer memory and supplies same to MPEG video decoder
25. Similarly, the demultiplexer reads the stored compressed audio
data from buffer memory 35 and supplies same to MPEG audio decoder
26. The MPEG video decoder cooperates with a memory DRAM 25a and
the MPEG audio decoder cooperates with a memory DRAM 26a to store
the compressed video and audio data, respectively, and to perform a
decoding/decompression operation thereon. MPEG decoding techniques
are known to those of ordinary skill in the art and form no part of
the present invention per se. Hence, further description of such
MPEG decoding of the video and audio data is not provided
herein.
MPEG decoder 25 supplies the decoded video signals to, for example,
an NTSC encoder 27 whereat the video information is encoded into
luminance and chroma signals Y and C and into a composite video
signal. The luminance and chroma signal Y and C are supplied to
respective outputs by buffer amplifiers 28Y and 28C, respectively,
these outputs constituting what is known conventionally as the
so-called S video output. The composite video signals are supplied
to a composite video output by a buffer 28V. In addition, the
composite video signal is coupled to an RF modulator 41 which
supplies an RF video output that is compatible with conventional
receivers.
Similarly, MPEG audio decoder 26 recovers digital audio data from
the audio program data supplied thereto; and this audio data is
converted to analog form by a D/A converter 30. The D/A converter
produces left-channel and right-channel stereophonic audio signals
which are coupled to left and right outputs by way of buffer
amplifiers 31L and 31R, respectively. A monaural audio signal also
is supplied from D/A converter 30 to RF modulator 41, whereat the
audio signal is combined with the composite video signal supplied
from NTSC encoder 27, thereby forming a composite television signal
at the RF output of the RF modulator. This composite television
signal output is produced by the RF modulator when TV/DSS selector
button 123 is operated to select the DSS mode. When, however, the
TV mode is selected, RF modulator 41 essentially bypasses whatever
outputs may be supplied thereto by the NTSC encoder and the D/A
converter 30 so as to shunt to the RF output whatever signals may
be supplied to the RF input thereof. Thus, receiver/decoder 2 may
be used to couple to monitor 4 signals that may be coupled to the
receiver/decoder from a VCR, a personal computer or other
audio/video device. Hence, the receiver/decoder may be used to
receive several different types of signals connected thereto via
separate input ports and to select one of those signals to be
supplied to monitor 4 via the RF output.
FIG. 23 illustrates various memory devices 36, 37 and 38 which,
typically, are used with CPU 29 to control the operations of the
CPU and to permit the CPU to carry out various processing
functions. For example, ROM 37 stores the operating program for the
CPU which permits the processor to execute the tuning control
function, QPSK demodulation function, error correction function and
data detection, separation and decoding functions. EEPROM 38 stores
data relating to the operation of the receiver/decoder that
otherwise would be erased when the power is turned off. For
example, the EEPROM stores the identity of the last broadcast
channel to which tuner 21 had been tuned prior to power turn-off,
the identities of those broadcast channels to which the tuner had
been tuned the most during, for example, the last four weeks (e.g.
an indication of the user's "favorite" channels), the tuning
history of tuner 21, and the like. As a result of this stored data,
when power is turned on, CPU 29 controls tuner 21 to tune either to
the last broadcast channel that had been received prior to power
turn-off or to the broadcast channel which is determined to be the
user's favorite channel. The program stored in ROM 37 preferably
determines which of these alternatives is selected. The EEPROM and
the ROM also are used to control CPU 29 to maintain an appropriate
timing function, even when power is turned off. For example, this
enables the CPU to maintain the current time in hours, minutes,
seconds and also to control timed functions, such as to supply to a
VCR connected thereto via control line 12 a Start Signal when a
particular time is reached, thereby initiating a timed (or
programmed) recording operation. SRAM 36 is used as a working
memory for CPU 29 to assist in the aforementioned and other
processing operations.
It is recalled that, to reduce the amount of EPG data that must be
transmitted in order to effect the displays shown in, for example,
FIGS. 4-10, the total amount of data needed to display the various
icons and logos preferably are not transmitted as part of the EPG
data. Rather, such graphic display data is pre-stored in a suitable
area of DRAM 25a and access data, such as bit-map data, is
transmitted as part of the EPG data and used to access such
pre-stored display data. CPU 29 is coupled to MPEG video decoder 25
to control the MPEG video decoder to retrieve such display data
from DRAM 25a when the CPU senses the receipt by the multiplexer 24
of such access data. The stored display data then is read from the
DRAM, decoded (i.e. MPEG-expanded) by decoder 25 and supplied to
NTSC encoder 27 for superposition on the video display, thereby
resulting in the display of such icons and logos in the manner
depicted in FIGS. 4-10. As will be described below in conjunction
with FIG. 28, the EPG data stored in, for example, EPG area 35A of
buffer 35 is read from the EPG area, temporarily stored in a
dedicated area of DRAM 25a, referred to as an On Screen Display
(OSD) area and retrieved from the OSD area by MPEG decoder 25 to
form the EPG display shown in FIGS. 4-10.
FIG. 23 also illustrates a modem 34 for interconnecting CPU 29 to,
for example, a telephone line. The modem is used to exchange
billing information, deciphering keys, decrypting software, and the
like between receiver/decoder 2 and the service provider.
Referring to FIG. 24, there is illustrated one embodiment of remote
control unit 5 that advantageously is used with the present
invention. As shown, the remote control unit is provided with
various operator-actuated selector switches which, preferably, are
configured as pushbuttons and are referred to herein simply as
"buttons". FIG. 24 also illustrates the IR transmitter 51 which
transmits to receiver/decoder 2 various commands generated by the
operation of one or more of the illustrated buttons via infra-red
transmission.
The buttons which are used primarily in conjunction with displaying
the EPG data that is transmitted to and stored in receiver/decoder
2 are provided in the generally central portion of the remote
control unit. Cursor control buttons 135, 136, 137 and 138 are
operated to move the cursor across the display screen in the
directions represented by the arrows shown on these buttons. For
example, the cursor may be positioned at or adjacent a desired
still picture shown in FIG. 4 or at a desired program table entry
shown in FIGS. 8 or 9, whereupon the operation of button 131
selects the program identified by that still picture. The operation
of button 145 retrieves from buffer memory 35 the EPG data
illustrated in FIG. 7, which then is displayed. Alternatively, the
operation of button 158 causes CPU 29 to control tuner 21 to tune
to the broadcast channel on which the program identified by the
selected still picture is transmitted.
The operation of button 134 causes CPU 29 to control MPEG decoder
25 to read from DRAM 25a menu display information that is stored in
the OSD area of the DRAM. This menu information may be of the
conventional type normally used with television receivers, VCR's
and the like, and also may permit the user to select different
types of EPG displays, such as the still picture display shown in
FIG. 4, the program table display shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 9 or the
program content display shown in FIG. 10. Button 134 may be used in
conjunction with button 144 to enable a particular type of EPG
display to be selected.
A numerical keypad 138 is operated to select a broadcast channel in
the usual manner. A promotion channel may be selected for display
simply by operating button 157. It is appreciated that when button
157 is operated, tuner 21 is tuned to the broadcast frequency of
the promotion channel. Preferably, if plural promotion channels can
be received, successive actuations of button 157 advance the tuner
from one promotion channel to the next.
Channel up/down buttons 133 and volume up/down buttons 132 permit
the user to scroll through successive broadcast channels and to
increase and decrease the audio volume, as desired.
A power on/off button 153 controls power to the receiver/decoder.
Similarly, a television power on/off switch 152 is used to control
power supplied to monitor 4. The actuation of a mute switch 151
mutes the audio output of the monitor; and the actuation of switch
154 toggles the receiver/decoder between its satellite antenna
input and conventional television input. It will be appreciated
that switch 154 serves substantially the same function as switch
123 shown in FIG. 22.
An alternative arrangement to the cursor control and EPG selection
buttons is shown in FIG. 25. Here, button 131 simply is positioned
adjacent the cursor-control buttons, rather than being surrounded
by those buttons as shown in FIG. 24.
FIG. 26 schematically illustrates the internal electrical
connections between microcomputer 71 contained within the remote
control device, button matrix 82 and IR transmitter 51. The
microcomputer includes a CPU 72, a ROM 73 and a RAM 74, as is
conventional. Button matrix 82 represents all of the pushbuttons
shown in FIG. 24, and this button matrix is polled by the
microcomputer to detect and determine which button is actuated. The
command selected via that button is generated by the microcomputer
and supplied to an LED driver 75 which drives an LED 76 included in
IR transmitter 51. Thus, LED 76 transmits IR signals representing
the command generated by microcomputer 71 in response to the
actuation of a particular button included in button matrix 82.
FIG. 27 schematically illustrates the manner in which EPG data is
combined with program data, transmitted by the guide and the normal
transponders, and received by receiver/decoder 2. Program data is
comprised of video data and audio data; and EPG data is included in
service information (SI) data, the latter containing the EPG data
as well as other data typically transmitted by the service
provider. A packet is formed of the program and SI data; and
successive packets are transmitted to a respective transponder
(four transponders are illustrated in FIG. 27) at suitable
frequencies, such as in the frequency range 12.25 GHz to 12.75 GHz.
As an example, if the program data of one broadcast channel is
structured as a packet, a normal transponder may be supplied with
ten packets of program data representing the program information
transmitted over 10 respective broadcast channels. The SI data is
multiplexed with these packets, such as described above in
conjunction with FIG. 1. Depending upon the number of transponders
that are provided in a satellite, 10 times that number of broadcast
channels are, of course, transmitted.
The packets of program and SI data transmitted by the various
transponders are received by receiver/decoder 2; and as shown in
FIG. 27, the program and SI information are separated from the
respective packets. Front end 20 (discussed in conjunction with
FIG. 23) may be tuned to the transmission frequency of a particular
transponder, whereupon the packets of program and SI data received
from that transponder are demodulated. The multiplexer 24 separates
the program and SI data from the received packets and temporarily
stores the separated data in data buffer 35. As is typical, each SI
packet includes a header; and although this header is used for
various detection and synchronizing purposes, it is not needed for
the actual display of the EPG data. Hence, the EPG data included in
the separated SI packet is stored in EPG area 35A of data buffer
35, as depicted in FIG. 27. The video packet, after being
separated, is stored in DRAM 25a and the audio packet, after
separation, is stored in DRAM 26a. MPEG decoder 25 thus decodes the
video data stored in DRAM 25a and, similarly, MPEG decoder 26 then
decodes the audio data stored in DRAM 26a.
As a numerical example, the transmission rate of each transponder
channel is on the order of 30 Mbits/second. Consistent with MPEG
encoding, video images exhibiting rapid motion are represented by
MPEG data having a large number of packets. On the other hand,
video images having relatively little motion, such as a news
program, a talk show, or the like, may be represented by MPEG data
having a smaller number of packets. A transponder thus transmits a
smaller number of programs exhibiting rapid motion and a larger
number of programs exhibiting relatively little motion. In this
manner, the average number of packets transmitted by each
transponder is about the same.
The manner in which EPG data is stored and retrieved at
receiver/decoder 2 now will be explained in conjunction with FIG.
28. Depending upon the packet header data, CPU 29 controls
demultiplexer 24 to direct the incoming data to the appropriate
memory destination. For example, EPG data is directed to buffer
memory 35, MPEG video data is directed to DRAM 25a and MPEG audio
data is directed to DRAM 26a. The demultiplexer includes registers
24a which store the appropriate memory addresses into which the
received EPG, video and audio data are directed. Of course, as
mentioned above, all of the received data initially is stored
temporarily in buffer memory 35, whereafter the data is distributed
to the appropriate memory and to the proper addresses in that
memory, namely to the EPG area 35a, to DRAM 25a and to DRAM
26a.
FIG. 28 illustrates an enlarged version of EPG area 35a. It is seen
that the EPG data received from a normal transponder contains, for
each of, for example, 80 broadcast channels, still image data (EPG
1), and text data (EPG 2). As mentioned above, the text data
contains program table data associated with 24 hours of programs
transmitted over those 80 channels. The EPG text data also contains
program content data associated with, for example, four hours of
programs transmitted over those 80 channels. The EPG image data
(EPG 1) and the EPG text data (EPG 2) are stored in the EPG
area.
When EPG data is received from the guide transponder it is recalled
that a larger amount of EPG data is present. In particular, the
guide transponder transmits EPG text data (EPG 2+EPG 3)
representing program table information associated with 150 hours of
programs transmitted over 80 channels. The text data (EPG 2+EPG 3)
also contains program content information associated with 70 hours
of programs transmitted over those 80 channels. FIG. 28
schematically illustrates the storage in EPG area 35a of the EPG
text data (EPG 2+EPG 3) transmitted by the guide transponder.
When the remote control device is operated to display the EPG data
stored in EPG area 35a, the data stored in a discrete portion
thereof, such as in a display area 250, is retrieved and written
into OSD area 25aA of DRAM 25a. For example, when the user actuates
button 144 of remote control device 5, the EPG image data
identifying those programs which are currently being transmitted
by, for example, all 80 of the broadcast channels are stored in the
display area 250 and are read therefrom and written into the OSD
area. Alternatively, if the user operates the remote control device
for the purpose of displaying a table of EPG information, such as
the table shown in FIG. 8, the EPG text data containing program
table information for those programs transmitted over, for example,
a four hour period are read from display area 250 and written into
OSD area 25aA. MPEG video decoder 25 reads and decodes the data
stored in OSD area 25aA and, as shown in FIG. 23, supplies the
decoded EPG data to NTSC encoder 27 whereat the EPG data is
superimposed on program video data and displayed on monitor 4, such
as shown in FIG. 4 (if EPG image data had been written into the OSD
area) or as shown in FIG. 8 (if EPG program table data had been
written into the OSD area).
As depicted in FIG. 28, ROM 37, which contains the operating
programs for CPU 29, includes a compressed code conversion
dictionary which is used to expand compressed character data (i.e.
the text data received by receiver/decoder 2) to a form suitable
for display. The ROM also includes an address conversion table
which is used by the CPU to read the appropriate character font in
response to font bit map data that is included in the EPG data. ROM
37 also includes a logo data address conversion table which uses
the aforementioned access data transmitted with the EPG data to
read out the pre-stored logos and icons for display.
Therefore, it is seen that, by transmitting EPG image and text
data, still image displays of the type shown in FIG. 4 may be
presented to the user, thereby identifying those programs which
currently are being transmitted as well as those programs which
will be transmitted over respective broadcast channels. The user
may display more detailed information relating to those programs,
such as the display in FIG. 7, by operating the appropriate buttons
of remote control device 5. Indeed, the present invention provides
the capability of displaying table information, such as shown in
FIGS. 8 and 9, or more detailed information relating to a
particular program, such as shown in FIG. 10. These displays are
superimposed on the video program then being received by the user's
receiver/decoder, such video program being either a "normal"
program or a "promotion" program, as has been described. Still
further, the user may position a cursor at or adjacent a particular
EPG still image and then, by operating the remote control device in
the manner discussed above, the tuner included in the user's
receiver/decoder is tuned to the broadcast channel identified by
the EPG still image at which the cursor is positioned.
While the present invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to preferred embodiments as well as
alternatives thereto, it will be readily appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the art that various changes may be made to the
invention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and
scope of this invention. It is intended that the appended claims be
interpreted as including the embodiments which have been discussed
above, the various alternatives which have been described as well
as all equivalents thereto.
* * * * *